Applying Psychological Science, Benefiting Society
Today, we remember the 49 people lost two years ago on this day in a senseless act of gun violence during the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Most of those lost that night were young, Latinx members of the LGBTQ community simply enjoying a night out with their friends and loved ones, and yet, somehow there are still conversations going on across America questioning whether gun control should be an LGBTQ priority.
After every mass shooting, politicians mindlessly follow the lead of the NRA and call for mental health reform as a panacea for gun violence. This approach to reducing gun deaths is based on the assertion that people with serious mental illness (SMI) pose a special risk of gun violence. This inaccurate myth has serious harmful consequences, as it contributes mightily to the stigma already endured by people with SMI in America.
Say Something Week empowers children to help others and prevent tragedies. They are taught to ‘Say Something’ to a trusted adult to prevent a friend from harming themselves or others. This programing has the potential to save lives in the communities it reaches. Though it is a daunting task to ensure that no student ever has to go to school in fear, campaigns such as Say Something Week can work with schools and youth programs to maximize their safety, learning, and potential.
Did you know that 1 in 3 homes with kids has a gun, many unlocked and loaded? June 21 is ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day – a national observance that reminds health professionals, parents, and caregivers about the importance of asking if there are unlocked guns in the homes where children live and play. Although the conversation may be awkward, having it could potentially save a child’s life. Here are five reasons why psychologists should talk to their patients about gun safety.
The financial cost of gun violence in the United States was an estimated $229 billion in 2012; this amount does not account for the psychological toll on those directly or indirectly affected by firearm violence–those who witness or fear firearm violence in their homes or communities or who are left behind when a loved one dies by suicide.
By Susan H. McDaniel, PhD (APA President) and Cynthia D. Belar, PhD (APA Interim CEO) June 28 is the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which launched lesbian and gay rights as a mass movement and is commemorated in the LGBT Pride celebrations. We take this occasion to reaffirm the American Psychological Association’s commitment to removing […]
By Joel Dvoskin, PhD, ABPP (Chair, Nevada Behavioral Health and Wellness Council) Too often, even the most well-intentioned among us believe that most mass shootings are carried out by those with untreated mental illness. As a forensic and clinical psychologist with extensive experience treating individuals with serious mental illness, and as a member of […]
By Amalia Corby-Edwards (Sr. Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer, APA Public Interest Government Relations Office) Do you know James Brady? Few Americans recognize his key role in shaping national gun policy. On March 30, 1981, 84 days into his tenure as President Ronald Reagan’s press secretary, multiple bullets intended for the President instead struck James […]
By Tina Wolridge (Communications Coordinator, APA Public Interest Directorate) It seems that gun violence is all around my life. Homicides, assaults, robberies, shootings, and weapon violations are all a part of this world. Gun ownership is so deeply rooted into the lives of Americans that we must re-evaluate our strategy and approach gun violence as […]
By Clinton W. Anderson, PhD (Associate Executive Director, APA Public Interest Directorate) Deaths and injuries from firearms pose a substantial risk to public health. Firearms are involved in more than 50% of suicides and 70% of homicides. There are more than 30,000 firearm fatalities each year and more than 80,000 non-fatal firearm injuries requiring emergency medical […]
Psychology Benefits Society 