In recent weeks it has come to light that two psychologists
allegedly assisted in “enhanced interrogation” (aka torture) conducted by the
CIA in Afghanistan.
I have seen articles on newspaper websites and on the website of the American
Psychological Association (APA) discussing this issue. Recently the topic was
featured in a Doonesbury comic strip.
Am I shocked that psychologists may have been involved in
such activities? No. Psychologists are human beings, and human beings come in
all varieties, good and bad.
Am I dismayed that this might give psychologists a black
eye? Yes. It is unfortunate that the times when we remember hearing about
psychologists – in the news, on television, in the movies – tend to be when
psychologists have engaged in inappropriate activities, or when they have been
presented negatively. This happens despite efforts by the APA and other
organizations to use the science of psychology to improve our lives. The APA is
conducting an investigation to determine if the organization was in some way
complicit in the actions of these two psychologists (who are not APA members).
Yes, among psychologists there are some bad actors, as there
are in all occupations. I hope that people do not conclude that because some
psychologists - or ministers, or law enforcement officers or politicians – have
acted inappropriately, unethically or criminally, that all of them do. I believe
most of us (the big “us”, not just psychologists) try to do the right thing
most of the time.
I’d love to hear your comments and concerns and answer your
questions.
