John W. Thoburn: International Humanitarian Award

Presents a short biography of the winner of the American Psychological Association's International Humanitarian Award. The 2012 winner, John W. Thoburn, is an extraordinary psychologist who devotes himself consistently to service to underserved populations, especially in the aftermath of natural or human-induced disasters. He exemplifies a genuine commitment to rapid and meaningful response to the most challenging situations. For over 25 years, his dedication has taken him to Uganda, Bosnia, India, Sri Lanka, New Orleans, China, and Haiti, at his own personal expense and inconvenience. His approach is infused with his contextual view that all relevant individuals and systems must be included in efforts aimed at improving people's lives. He works in a calm, modest, and often humorous manner, and his innate traits of affability and flexibility consistently serve him well in his humanitarian efforts. Thoburn's Award citation and a selected bibliography are also presented.