Creating a public psychology through a scientist-practitioner-advocate training model

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Persistent social issues like racist violence and health disparities necessitate psychological expertise.
• Psychologists can contribute to solutions through socially engaged, advocacy-driven public psychology.
• Bridging the gap between basic and applied psychology is crucial for societal benefit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the widespread adoption of a Scientist-Practitioner-Advocate (SPA) training model.
• To explore historical context, challenges, and strategies for implementing the SPA model.
• To demonstrate how psychologists can leverage their work for societal benefit.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of training and advocacy in psychology.
• Exploration of challenges in implementing the SPA model in academic settings.
• Presentation of findings from a graduate program utilizing the SPA model.

Main Results:

• The SPA model offers a framework to integrate scientific and applied psychology.
• Challenges exist in contemporary academic environments for implementing the SPA model.
• Successful implementation of the SPA model can enhance psychologists' public contributions.

Conclusions:

• A discipline-wide SPA training model is essential for public psychology.
• Integrating social justice and advocacy into training is vital.
• Psychologists can effectively contribute to addressing pressing social issues through the SPA model.