Does Psychology make a significant difference in our lives?

Abstract

The intellectual tension between the virtues of basic versus applied research that characterized an earlier era of psychology is being replaced by an appreciation of creative applications of all research essential to improving the quality of human life. Psychologists are positioned to "give psychology away" to all those who can benefit from our wisdom. Psychologists were not there 35 years ago when American Psychological Association (APA) President George Miller first encouraged us to share our knowledge with the public. The author argues that psychology is indeed making a significant difference in people's lives; this article provides a sampling of evidence demonstrating how and why psychology matters, both in pervasive ways and specific applications. Readers are referred to a newly developed APA Web site that documents current operational uses of psychological research, theory, and methodology (its creation has been the author's primary presidential initiative): www.psychologymatters.org.

When workplace safety depends on behavior change: Topics for behavioral safety research

“…In fact, the application of Skinner's principles of reinforcement to occupational safety and health is one of psychology's important contributions to society (Zimbardo, 2004). Systematic research on the behavioral approach to organizational issues, including safety began in 1977 with the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, which was dedicated to the scientific analysis of work-related performance, mainly from a Skinnerian perspective.…”

Achieving and Sustaining a Good Life

“…As noted, many psychologists, especially in the United States, have long tried to give psychology away to the larger society (e.g., Campbell, 1969;Dewey, 1922Dewey, /1998Goleman, 1995;Hall, 1894;Jastrow, 1908;Miller, 1969;Seligman, 2002;Skinner, 1953;Thorndike, 1920;Watson, 1928;Zimbardo, 2004). And it is the science theory and research that people are eager to receive.…”

Front Matter

“…Scott O. Lilienfeld and Irwin D. Waldman evidence-based psychotherapies that have alleviated the suffering of tens of thousands of individuals with mood, anxiety, eating, sleep, and substance disorders (Zimbardo, 2004). There is ample reason to be proud of psychological science and its accomplishments.…”