American Psychological Association (APA) is identified as a leading professional organization for psychologists in the United States. The association deals with a variety of factors ranging from education, society, religion, economy, science as well as social issues. Other concerns of the American Psychologists are drug abuse, poverty, hunger, homelessness, health dynamics, willpower, and ethics. I learned the following from the field of psychology:
First, Psychology has reduced the use of opium in youth. Humanitarian organizations in the United States received numerous cases regarding the use of opium among the youth. However, it was noted that the substance abuse causes more harm than good (Blais et al., 762). Many children run to relatives or guardians to get assistance after having used opium over many years. It is said that more than half a million people succumbed to death in a period between 2000 and 2015. In 2015, about 42,900 of the youth were under rescue from opium, a program that aimed to reduce substance abuse which had caused massive loss of lives by then (Blais et al., 762).
Secondly, Psychology has reduced poverty in America. Families receiving low incomes have faced an economic crisis because they struggle to get their basic needs. The rate of unemployment increased after the recession that started in 2007 (Blais et al., 762). A research that was conducted in 2010 showed that about 22% of the American people are poor. Children from low-income families suffer from psychological torture; they perform poorly in school and, they are malnutrition. This is where the American Psychological Association came to their rescue.
Third, hunger has been addressed by American Psychologists. Food insecurity leads to starvation. America has introduced women and children program where food is given to youth and women. The National School Lunch Program was launched in 2010 to aid students in getting free food in schools (Schmitt et al., 921). Therefore, American psychologists are after improving the education status in the country.
Fourth, psychology has addressed the issue of homelessness. Eight years ago, The National Alliance to End Homelessness recorded about 600,000 without shelter (Schmitt et al., 921). The problem of homelessness affects individuals regardless of their gender, ethnic groups or religion. Lack of adequate housing has led the youth to engage in indiscipline cases like crime and drug abuse (Blais et al., 762). In curbing homelessness, charity organizations, with the support of the American Psychological Association are constructing homes for the less fortunate to accommodate them.
Fifth, Psychology has led to the reduction in racism. I have learned that discrimination basing on color bar leads to slow economic growth. To prevent racism, dialogue is usually done between the majority and minority groups (Schmitt et al., 921). The Christian Association for Psychological studies is advocating for togetherness which has worked among the people.
Sixth, I have learned that Psychologists follow particular Ethical principles. Ethics are the accepted code of conduct that psychologists are supposed to follow. Rules are stipulated, and in case of gross misconduct, the person reliable faces the consequences (Blais et al., 762). Ethics were established by the American Psychologist Association so that workers could be committed to their professional duties.
Important research highlights
In my browsing, I have noted that there are critical issues to be addressed in psychology such as the aspect of willpower. People should be self-driven while doing their daily activities. This includes doing exercise to relieve stress and eating required food. Also, I learned that strangers need to be treated politely.
Summarily, the American Psychological Association has tried to improve health services for both civil servants and jobless people. Furthermore, the association has supported education system, it has encouraged research and condemned social injustices.
Work cited
Blais, Julie, Adelle E. Forth, and Robert D. Hare. "Examining the interrater reliability of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised across a large sample of trained raters." Psychological Assessment 29.6 (2017): 762.
Schmitt, Michael T., et al. "The consequences of perceived discrimination for psychological well-being: a meta-analytic review." Psychological Bulletin 140.4 (2014): 921.
