Citation

Am. Psychol. 2006; 61(5): 513-521.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0003-066X.61.5.513

PMID

16846308

Abstract

The 2005 Policy and Planning Board of the American Psychological Association (APA) was chaired by Sandra E. Tars, PhD. Other members of the Policy and Planning Board included G. Andrew H. Benjamin, JD, PhD; Mae Lee Billet-Ziskin, PhD; Connie Chan, PhD; Cynthia P. Deutsch, PhD; Lisa R. Grossman, JD, PhD; Janet R. Matthews, PhD; Morgan T. Sammons, PhD; Derald Wing Sue, PhD; Susan Krauss Whitbourne, PhD; and Gerald P. Koocher, PhD, the liaison for the Board of Directors. APA Bylaws Article XI.7 requires that the Policy and Planning Board report annually by publication to the membership and review the structure and function of the Association as a whole every fifth year. Given the tremendous psychological impact of disasters and crises, the Policy and Planning Board decided to focus this 2005 annual report on the history and evolution of APA's responses to such traumas, with an eye to future directions that might be taken as the need arises. This report reviews the phases of response to disaster and proposes parameters for APA's organizational response. It also highlights concerns posed by the racial and economic disparities laid bare in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and raises questions about the proper role of psychology in addressing the broader social context in both preparation for and the aftermath of disaster. Ultimately, it is our intent to identify points of both pride and challenge for APA members and governance leaders to consider. 

Language: en