"RACIST POLICE OFFICER" STEREOTYPE MAY BECOME A SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY
Belief in the 'racist police officer' stereotype may become a self-fulfilling prophecy for law enforcement officers and lead to increased support for forceful or threatening policing tactics.

  MUSIC STUDENTS SCORE BETTER IN MATH, SCIENCE, ENGLISH THAN NONMUSICAL PEERS
High schoolers who take music courses score significantly better on exams in certain other subjects, including math and science, than their nonmusical peers.

  HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS LOSING TRUST IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, JUSTICE SYSTEM
High school seniors’ confidence in law enforcement and the justice system significantly declined from 2006 to 2017 while their faith in religious organizations and schools was comparatively higher and more stable

  "WHOLE PERSON" APPROACH NEEDED TO SOLVE OPIOID EPIDEMIC, SAYS APA
Solving the opioid epidemic requires a 'whole person' approach that includes nonpharmacological treatment for pain, as well as ensuring that people have the employment, education and housing supports they need for long-term recovery.

  FINANCIAL VULNERABILITY MAY DISCOURAGE POSITIVE NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES
People who feel financially vulnerable may be prone to believing incorrectly their success in negotiations must come at the expense of the other party, leading them to ignore the potential for more cooperative and mutually beneficial options.

  PRESS RELEASES: JUNE 2019
A list of the June 2019 APA press releases.

  LACK OF SLEEP MAY INCREASE LIKELIHOOD OF TEENS ENGAGING IN RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Teenagers who don’t get enough sleep may be at an increased risk of engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors, such as not using condoms or having sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  BELIEF IN LEARNING STYLES MYTH MAY BE DETRIMENTAL
Many people, including educators, believe learning styles are set at birth and predict both academic and career success even though there is no scientific evidence to support this common myth.

  APA HIGHLIGHTS BOOKS FOR LGBTQ+ CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOR PRIDE MONTH
In honor of Pride Month, the American Psychological Association is highlighting books from its children’s book imprint, Magination Press, that are for LGBTQ+ children, young adults, families and allies.

  APA CRITICIZES ADMINISTRATION EFFORTS TO WEAKEN FEDERAL NONDISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS IN HEALTH CARE
APA condemned the administration’s efforts to use federal rules to dismantle civil rights protections in health care for vulnerable populations, particularly transgender and gender nonconforming patients.

  PROPOSED HUD RULE COULD LEAD TO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF HOMELESS, SAYS APA
A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requiring the verification of eligible immigration status for all members of a household receiving housing assistance could result in more than 100,000 people unable to pay their rent and should be seriously reconsidered.

  APA LAUDS EQUALITY ACT AS GOOD FOR BUSINESS, HEALTH AND FAMILIES
A statement from APA President Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, on the passage of the Equality Act. Discrimination against sexual and gender minorities remains a problem across the United States, causing increased levels of stress.

  PEOPLE IN HIGHER SOCIAL CLASS HAVE AN EXAGGERATED BELIEF THAT THEY ARE MORE CAPABLE THAN OTHERS
People who see themselves as being in a higher social class may tend to have an exaggerated belief that they are more adept than their equally capable lower-class counterparts.

  UNDERSTANDING CONTEXT OF WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ LIVES KEY TO PROVIDING GOOD PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE, ACCORDING TO UPDATED PRACTICE GUIDELINES
Girls and women face considerable adversity due to the effects of sexism, oppression, discrimination and prejudice, but some are also well-equipped and have the right resources to confront and surmount challenges in their lives.

  ANGER MORE HARMFUL TO HEALTH OF OLDER ADULTS THAN SADNESS
Anger may be more harmful to an older person’s physical health than sadness, potentially increasing inflammation, which is associated with such chronic illnesses as heart disease, arthritis and cancer.

  APA NAMES DAVIS FIRST CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
APA has named Dawnavan S. Davis, PhD, as its first chief diversity officer, charged with leading a transformational agenda to infuse equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the association’s work.

  PERSEVERANCE TOWARD LIFE GOALS CAN FEND OFF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDERS
Perseverance cultivates a sense of purposefulness that can create resilience against or decrease current levels of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

  STATEMENT OF AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT IN RESPONSE TO SO-CALLED ‘CONSCIENCE’ EXCEPTION TO PROVIDING HEALTH CARE
Rule is likely to deny health care to vulnerable populations, APA asserts, especially reproductive care and information for LGBT populations.

  SURVEY: AMERICANS BECOMING MORE OPEN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
American adults mostly harbor positive views about mental health, though some stigma remains.

  PRESS RELEASES: MAY 2019
A list of the May 2019 APA press releases.

  AGREEMENT ALLOWING LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTS TO PRACTICE ACROSS CERTAIN STATE BORDERS A STEP TOWARD CARE FOR THOSE WHO MOST NEED IT, APA SAYS
The agreement, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), permits licensed psychologists in seven states to see patients in other compact states legally.

  EMPATHY OFTEN AVOIDED BECAUSE OF MENTAL EFFORT
Even when feeling empathy for others isn't financially costly or emotionally draining, people will still avoid it because they think empathy requires too much mental effort.

  YOUNG CHILDREN JUDGE OTHERS BASED ON FACIAL FEATURES AS MUCH AS ADULTS DO
Just like adults, children by the age of 5 make rapid and consistent character judgements of others based on facial features, such as the tilt of the mouth or the distance between the eyes.

  SNIFFING PLEASANT ODORS MAY DECREASE CIGARETTE CRAVING
Inhaling a pleasant aroma may be enough to reduce the urge to light up, at least temporarily, and could be used as part of an effective smoking cessation strategy.

  PEOPLE WITH A SENSE OF ONENESS EXPERIENCE GREATER LIFE SATISFACTION
People who believe in oneness — the idea that everything in the world is connected and interdependent — appear to have greater life satisfaction than those who don’t, regardless of whether they belong to a religion or don’t.

  APA REAFFIRMS OPPOSITION TO TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN
Notes research finds no adverse impact on military readiness

  INSECURITIES MAY DRIVE PEOPLE TO SAVE MORE
When people feel that their own good impressions of themselves are at risk, they may try to increase their savings.

  PRESS RELEASES: APRIL 2019
A list of the April 2019 APA press releases.

  APA RECOGNIZES EIGHT ORGANIZATIONS FOR HEALTHY WORKPLACE PRACTICES
Eight organizations across the United States and Canada have been named winners of the American Psychological Association’s 2019 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards.

  STATEMENT OF APA PRESIDENT IN RESPONSE TO SHOOTINGS AT NEW ZEALAND MOSQUES
Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, issues statement after mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

  MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN YOUNG ADULTS OVER LAST DECADE
The percentage of young Americans experiencing certain types of mental health disorders has risen significantly over the past decade, with no corresponding increase in older adults.

  APA AFFIRMS PLANS TO SUPPORT TRANSITION OF PSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL STUDENTS AFFECTED BY ARGOSY UNIVERSITY TO ACCREDITED PROGRAMS IN RECEIVING INSTITUTIONS
APA Commission on Accreditation to continue to work with programs involved in transfer/teach-out plans

  STATEMENT OF AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION CEO ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF BILL TO REQUIRE BACKGROUND CHECKS ON GUN SALES
Expanding background checks for all gun sales is a smart, evidence-based strategy that we believe will result in less gun violence in America.

  APA CALLS ON ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BREAK LOGJAM SURROUNDING APPLICATIONS FROM CANNABIS GROWERS TO ENABLE NEEDED RESEARCH
APA has asked the U.S. attorney general to act immediately to evaluate the more than two dozen cannabis grower applications that have been languishing for more than two years at the Department of Justice.

  APA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
APA announced formation of a new office focused on applied psychology, a branch of the field that uses psychological research, theory and methods to address real-world issues.

  SCOTUS RELIES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN DECIDING TEXAS STILL USING INVALID APPROACH TO INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
APA commended the U.S. Supreme Court for reversing a Texas appeals court ruling on the grounds that it used outdated means for determining intellectual disability in death penalty cases.

  RESOLUTION ON PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN BY PARENTS
Association adopts policy calling for use of alternative forms of discipline that foster supportive family environment.

  THE MORE THE MERRIER? CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE SIBLINGS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO BULLYING
A child with more than one brother or sister is more likely to be the victim of sibling bullying than those with only one sibling, and firstborn children and older brothers tend to be the perpetrators.

  STATEMENT OF AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION CEO ON BILL TO REQUIRE BACKGROUND CHECKS ON GUN SALES
The statement of Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association, regarding H.R. 8, a bill to require universal background checks before gun sales.

  SHAMEFUL SECRETS BOTHER US MORE THAN GUILTY SECRETS
People who feel shame about a secret, as opposed to guilt, are more likely to be consumed by thoughts of what they are hiding.

  IMMIGRANT FAMILY SEPARATIONS MUST END, PSYCHOLOGIST TELLS CONGRESSIONAL PANEL
Forced separation of immigrant families trying to enter the United States must cease, and parents and children who have been separated must have access to trauma-informed mental health care.

  HIGH-CALORIE DESSERTS MIGHT NOT BE ALL BAD
If you’re going to choose dessert first, then the high-calorie option might lead to your eating a healthier meal, unless you have a lot on your mind.

  APA HAILS INTRODUCTION OF BIPARTISAN MEDICARE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS BILL
Statement of Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, regarding the introduction of legislation that would improve access to psychological treatment for Medicare beneficiaries.

  PRESS RELEASES: FEBRUARY 2019
A list of the February 2019 APA press releases.

  ADVOCATING FOR SOCIAL ISSUES AT WORK MORE LIKELY TO SUCCEED LINKING MORALITY AND MISSION, STUDY SAYS
When convincing management to consider advocating for a particular social issue, employees may think it is wise to focus on the benefits to the bottom line but making a moral argument may be a better strategy, as long as it aligns with the company’s values.

  KIDS PREFER FRIENDS WHO TALK LIKE THEY DO
Children tend to prefer to be friends with other children who speak with the same local accent as they have, even if they grow up in a diverse community and are regularly exposed to a variety of accents.

  AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATION ESTABLISHES GRANT HONORING CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD
Funds will support early career research on sexual trauma.

  APA STATEMENT REGARDING SCOTUS RULING TO BLOCK TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS FROM SERVING IN MILITARY
U.S. Supreme Court ruling to allow the administration to restrict military service by transgender men and women while court challenges continue.

  STATEMENT OF APA PRESIDENT MARKING MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, celebrates Martin Luther King Day.

  APA NAMES FIRST CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER
APA has named Katherine B. McGuire its first chief advocacy officer, responsible for implementing a unified, strategic vision for the association’s government relations efforts and coordinating APA’s broader advocacy initiatives in nongovernmental sectors.

  GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN INCREASING STRESS ON FEDERAL WORKERS, CONTRACTORS, FAMILIES, APA SAYS
Important work of scientific researchers also curtailed.

  WHITES STRUGGLE TO TELL REAL FROM FAKE SMILES ON BLACK FACES
White people and non-black minorities have a harder time telling the difference between genuine and fake smiles on black faces than they do on white faces, a problem black people don’t have.

  PRESS RELEASES: JANUARY 2019
A list of the January 2019 APA press releases.

  PRESS RELEASES: 2019
A listing of 2019 news releases for reporters and media outlets regarding psychological research, APA activities, national events, and APA products and services.

  CERTAIN MORAL VALUES MAY LEAD TO MORE PREJUDICE, DISCRIMINATION
People who value following purity rules over caring for others are more likely to view gay and transgender people as less human, which leads to more prejudice and support for discriminatory public policies.

  LOOKING ON BRIGHT SIDE MAY REDUCE ANXIETY, ESPECIALLY WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT
Trying to find something good in a bad situation appears to be particularly effective in reducing anxiety the less money a person makes, possibly because people with low incomes have less control over their environment.

  STATEMENT OF AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION CEO REGARDING TEXAS JUDGE’S DECLARATION OF ACA AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Statement of Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association, in response to the ruling by a federal judge in Texas declaring the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional.

  APA NAMES DIAZ-GRANADOS DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Experienced psychologist brings wide-ranging background in science, academia and management.

  APA PRESIDENT APPOINTS NEW ADVOCACY COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Companion organization committee will evaluate and prioritize APA’s integrated advocacy agenda.

  APA NAMES SHILLING AS NEW CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER
Russell D. Shilling, PhD, has been named the first chief scientific officer of APA, responsible for leading and implementing the association’s transformational science agenda and advocating for the application of psychological science.

  PRESS RELEASES: DECEMBER 2018
A list of the December 2018 APA press releases.

  APA CONDEMNS ANTI-SEMITIC TARGETING OF NEW YORK PSYCHOLOGIST
Jessica Henderson Daniel's statement regarding anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted in the office of Elizabeth Midlarsky, PhD, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University Teachers College in New York City.

  SEXIST MEN UNDERESTIMATE THEIR POWER IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Heterosexual men with sexist attitudes may underestimate how much power they actually have in their romantic relationships, which could lead to increased aggression toward their female partners or wives.

  APA STATEMENT ON PROPOSED REFORMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT RULES FOR UNIVERSITIES
Statement from Jessica Henderson Daniel, PhD, president of APA, on proposed changes by the U.S. Department of Education to Title IX that would affect how sexual assault allegations are handled on college campuses.

  APA NOMINATES FIVE PSYCHOLOGISTS TO ED. DEPT. RULEMAKING PANEL
APA has nominated five eminent psychologists to a U.S. Department of Education negotiated rulemaking panel that will address issues in academic accreditation.

  KILLER WHALES SHARE PERSONALITY TRAITS WITH HUMANS, CHIMPANZEES
Killer whales display personality traits similar to those of humans and chimpanzees, such as playfulness, cheerfulness and affection.

  APA NAMES FIRST OPEN SCIENCE AND METHODOLOGY CHAIR TO DEEPEN COMMITMENT TO DATA SHARING, TRANSPARENCY IN SCIENCE
APA has named Steve W.J. Kozlowski, PhD, as its first open science and methodology chair, responsible for working with the association’s authors, reviewers, editors and publications board.

  APA ELECTS CONSULTANT SANDRA L. SHULLMAN PRESIDENT
Sandra L. Shullman PhD, a consulting psychologist internationally known in leadership assessment and development, has been elected 2020 president of the American Psychological Association.

  'BARGAINING WHILE BLACK' MAY LEAD TO LOWER SALARIES
African-American job candidates are more likely to receive lower salaries in hiring negotiations when racially biased evaluators believe they have negotiated too much.

  APA DECRIES PROPOSAL ALLOWING INDEFINITE DETENTION OF IMMIGRANT CHILDREN
APA voiced opposition to a proposed rule that would allow the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to detain immigrant children with their families indefinitely.

  HAPPY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES LINKED TO BETTER HEALTH LATER IN LIFE
People who have fond memories of childhood, specifically their relationships with their parents, tend to have better health, less depression and fewer chronic illnesses as older adults.

  PRESS RELEASES: NOVEMBER 2018
A list of the November 2018 APA press releases.

  THRILL-SEEKING, SEARCH FOR MEANING FUEL POLITICAL VIOLENCE
Access to exciting, nonviolent alternatives may help curb impulse to harm.

  STATEMENT OF APA PRESIDENT IN RESPONSE TO SHOOTING AT PITTSBURGH SYNAGOGUE
Jessica Henderson Daniel, PhD, describes the psychological ramifications of hate crimes and offers suggestions for those experiencing trauma related to the shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

  APA STRESS IN AMERICA™ SURVEY: GENERATION Z STRESSED ABOUT ISSUES IN THE NEWS BUT LEAST LIKELY TO VOTE
Headline issues, from immigration to sexual assault, are causing significant stress among members of Generation Z.

  APA DECRIES APPARENT ADMINISTRATION ATTEMPT TO ERASE TRANSGENDER DEFINITION IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS
A reported attempt by the administration to redefine sex in civil rights law in order to remove anti-discrimination protections for transgender people fails to recognize decades of scientific research into psychology, genetics and physiology.