Torture Psychology and the American Psychological Association (APA)

Torture Psychology and the American Psychological Association (APA) - #APA2015

This is a "turning point" week for American psychology, with implications that are generational, rather than short-term. These are implications that directly impact the profession and science of psychology and the degree of trust that the public can have in psychology.

Will the APA as an entity say "no" to torture, say "no" to its increased militarization, and say "no" to this Obedience-To-Our-Authority approach to membership, especially members who disagree with the entity's 'party line'? Or will it say "yes" to a return to ethics, say "yes" to an embrace of "First, Do No Harm" approach to its services, and say "yes" to an end of its bullying of people who do not agree with them? We still do not know.

You can find the "Hoffman Report" here: click here

Wednesday was a pre-conference day of workshops and meetings for the APA, including a meeting of its Council of Representatives. The most detailed media coverage of that meeting was provided on BuzzFeed, written by journalist Peter Aldhous. It is essential reading. Here is the link: After Damning Torture Report, Psychology Fights For Its Soul.

Another essential read of the day comes from Todd Essig, writing for Forbes. Here is the link: Can You Still Trust Psychology After The Torture Scandal?

Still other essential reads come from Steven Reisner, S. Shaw, and Physicians for Human Rights:

Steven Reisner:

From Dr. Reisner

S. Shaw:

How Not to Suck: APA and Torture

Physicians for Human Rights:

PHR Urges Ban on Psychologists’ Participation in Interrogations: Toronto Meeting Provides Opportunity for Key Ethics Reforms