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    Macropsychology, policy, and global health.


    MacLachlan, Malcolm (2014) Macropsychology, policy, and global health. American Psychologist, 69 (8). pp. 851-863. ISSN 0003-066X

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    Abstract

    In this article I argue for the development of a macro perspective within psychology, akin to that found in macroeconomics. Macropsychology is the application of psychology to factors that influence the settings and conditions of our lives. As policy concerns the strategic allocation of resources— who gets what and why?—it should be an area of particular interest for macropsychology. I review ways in which psychology may make a contribution to policy within the field of global health. Global health emphasizes human rights, equity, social inclusion, and empowerment; psychology has much to contribute to these areas, both at the level of policy and practice. I review the sorts of evidence and other factors that influence policymakers, along with the content, process, and context of policymaking, with a particular focus on the rights of people with disabilities in the low- and middle-income countries of Africa and Asia. These insights are drawn from collaborations with a broad range of practitioners, governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector and researchers. Humanitarian work psychology is highlighted as an example of a new area of psychology that embraces some of the concerns of macropsychology. The advent of “big data” presents psychology with an opportunity to ask new types of questions, and these should include “understanding up,” or how psychological factors can contribute to human well-being, nationally and globally.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: macropsychology; policy; global health; social inclusion;
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
    Item ID: 19438
    Identification Number: 10.1037/a0037852
    Depositing User: Malcolm MacLachlan
    Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2025 11:08
    Journal or Publication Title: American Psychologist
    Publisher: APA PsycNet
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/19438
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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