The authors are Amy E. Heinowitz, Kelly R. Brown, Leah C. Langsam, Steven J. Arcidiacono, Paige L. Baker, Nadimeh H. Badaan, Nancy I. Zlatkin, & Ralph E. (Gene) Cash.
Professional Psychology: Research & Practice
There is an urgent and growing need for professional and social justice advocacy within the psychological community (Ratts & Hutchins, 2009; Kiselica & Robinson, 2001; Ratts, D'Andrea, & Arredondo, 2004; Toporek, Gerstein, Fouad, Roysircar, & Israel, 2006). Psychology, as a field as well as a profession, aims to reduce negative treatment outcomes and to enhance personal wellbeing through research and practice (Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology, 2009; American Psychological Association, 2010b). The viability of the profession and its capacity to provide fundamental and essential services are directly affected by legislation and regulations (Barnett, 2004). As a result, advocacy is integral to the roles of all psychologists, with the future and success of their profession and careers depending on their incorporation of advocacy into their professional identity (Burney et al., 2009).
(cut)
The findings presented in this study carry valuable implications for efforts aimed at enhancing participation in advocacy. Lating et al. (2009) suggest that the continued separation of professional and educational agendas in the training of psychologists may contribute to the profession's deficient involvement in advocacy. Specifically, psychology is the only major health profession to maintain an academic training model despite the creation of professional training programs. The lack of advocacy training appears to contribute to the development and maintenance of barriers such as lack of awareness of and lack of perceived competence in discussing public policy issues.
Efforts to increase psychologists' participation in public policy advocacy must begin early on and be integrated throughout their curricula. Pertinent public policy issues fit well into courses on ethics, diversity, assessment, and even intervention. Similarly, discussion about and training in the advocacy role may be reinforced through clinical training and supervision. In addition to incorporated teaching lessons, specific coursework in public policy advocacy might aid students in developing skills used to advocate, while increasing comfort, enhancing familiarity, and expanding knowledge of current issues.
Thanks to Ken Pope for this information.