Peace Psychology
"Division 48" has a mysterious, slightly ominous, 007-ish sound, but to the American Psychological Association, what it signifies is emotionally benevolent. Established in 1990, this division—one of 55 in the APA—is devoted to applying psychology to the pursuit of peace. A network of nearly 800 students, psychologists and other professionals, Division 48 members work with issues such as domestic violence, childhood bullying, racism and genocide. Goals include research in nonviolence and creating academic programs at universities that teach peacemaking. "If our profession is committed to human well-being," says Michael Wessells, PhD, one of the APA members who originally lobbied for the division, "we have to think about peace."
