Article archive / January 1, 2013
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 5. Source pages: 7.
In a December 27, 2012, message to members, the American Psychological Association promised to develop a plan to aid in violence prevention and prepare a response to the national tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Norman Anderson wrote in the email letter that he has assembled a team to “focus on an issue psychology can uniquely address: the prediction and prevention of violence.”
Anderson wrote that the team will work with a small number of APA members who have expertise in violence assessment and prevention and then to plan the next steps. He indicated that the work will include the inadequacy of the current mental health care system, mental illness stigma, the need for more mental health professionals, and trained police and other public safety individuals. He also wrote that the goal will be “to share the best available science with policymakers, the news media, other health professionals, community leaders and public.”
Anderson also noted that his team would reach out to the Obama administration, Congress, news and educational groups.
He stated that the factors motivating Lanza were “probably a complex set,” but APA will be reviewing it policy on violent video games, to consider new research since the 2005 policy was adopted.
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