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Psychology is the scientific discipline dedicated to understanding both observable behavior and the internal mental processes underlying such behavior. It aims to comprehend human nature and apply this understanding to solve practical problems, enhance well-being, and improve societal outcomes. An example of psychology's application is the study of prosocial behavior, such as why and under what conditions individuals might help strangers in need. This process involves describing observed...

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Professional practice guidelines for operational psychology: An executive summary.

The American psychologist·2025

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Defining and developing operational psychology competency.

¹OSS Consulting, LLC, Southern Pines, USA.

Scandinavian Journal of Psychology

|July 29, 2024

Summary

Establishing core competencies in operational psychology is challenging due to specialized skills and sensitive settings. Forming a professional society can accelerate training and advance the field.

Keywords:

Operational psychology defense military national security public safety

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Area of Science:

Operational psychology
Psychological practice
Competency development

Background:

Operational psychology requires specialized skills and operates in sensitive environments, posing unique challenges for practitioner competency.
Ethical obligations necessitate establishing and maintaining credentials, which can be difficult for these practitioners.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the core competencies of operational psychology.
To provide case examples of competency application.
To identify recommendations for training and consultation.

Main Methods:

Literature review to define core competencies.
Case study analysis to illustrate practical application.
Development of recommendations for training and professional development.

Main Results:

Operational psychologists may lack full competency due to limited training, mentorship, and standards.
Achieving full competency often requires extensive post-graduate study and experience.

Conclusions:

A dedicated operational psychology society or association is proposed to codify competencies and training standards.
Such a body can advocate for practitioners, advance policies, and promote scholarship in the field.