The health of a society is inextricably linked to the well-being of its members. Obstacles to the pursuit of meaningful and productive lives often include institutional barriers to equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
PsySR’s Program on Social Health, Justice, and Well-Being works to apply psychological principles in order to highlight and challenge the sources of poverty, prejudice, discrimination, and inequality that adversely affect individuals in family, school, work, and community settings.
Program Projects
PsySR’s Program on Social Health, Justice, and Well-Being engages in activism, advocacy, research, and educational projects. Project descriptions are available HERE, and we encourage members to participate in these efforts.
Join the Program Listserv
One of the valuable benefits of PsySR membership is the opportunity to join any of our program email listservs. Becoming a member of a program listserv enables you to (1) receive regular updates on program activities, projects, and related opportunities, (2) engage in topical discussions and learn from fellow members who share your interests, and (3) participate in planning and carrying out projects.
If you are a PsySR member, you can join the Program on Social Health, Justice, and Well-Being listserv by signing up online HERE (if you don’t have a Google Groups account, you’ll be asked to create one — this is easy to do with any email address, and please include your first and last name as well).
PsySR Statement on the Occupy Movements
PsySR has issued a statement expressing strong support for the Occupy movements, which serve as a source of inspiration, hope, and unity for millions of citizens while highlighting the deep problems facing our society and illuminating possible ways to address them. Read The Statement »
PsySR Statement on Psychological Health and Well-Being
Psychological health and well-being are crucial contributors to and reflections of individual and collective quality of life. At this time of growing economic, social, and environmental crisis, Psychologists for Social Responsibility is committed to increasing professional and public awareness and understanding of key challenges in broadly advancing psychological health and well-being. Read The Statement »
PsySR Statement on Corporate Personhood
From a psychological perspective, “corporate personhood” is a misleading and dangerous legal fiction that gives corporations the same protections afforded to real people. Psychologists for Social Responsibility stands with the growing number of voices calling for urgent change in this arena in order to better promote human welfare. Read The Statement »
PsySR Statement on Immigration Reform
The immigration debate in the United States has been reawakened by Arizona’s passage of SB 1070, the new state law that allows enforcement officers with “reasonable suspicion” to demand proof of legal residency. Psychologists for Social Responsibility strongly opposes this new law from both psychological and social justice perspectives. We call for its immediate reconsideration in order to address its profound shortcomings. Read The Statement »
PsySR Member Perspectives
Within each of its program areas, PsySR is working to develop a series of brief essays from our members in which they provide their own informed perspectives on key issues. The Program Social Health, Justice, and Well-Being is pleased to offer PsySR Member Perspectives from Sydney Gurewitz Clemens on “Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents”, Melissa Farley on “Human Trafficking and Prostitution”, and Mikhail Lyubansky on “Changing Institutions: A Primer for the Individual”.
Program Resources
PsySR’s Program on Social Health, Justice, and Well-being offers a range of resources developed by PsySR and its members, including educational and advocacy materials. These resources are available HERE.