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 |
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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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