American Psychology Association Adds Human-Animal Studies (by William Lynn)
The field of human-animal studies has taken another step forward. The Animals and Society Initiative reports that the American Psychological Association recently accepted an application to incorporate Human-Animal Studies into Division 17, its Counseling Psychology division. The decision comes after years of efforts by the ASI and the former Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PsyETA) to establish a stand-alone HAS division within the APA. Division 17 is a relatively open and progressive division with sections on gay issues and ethnic diversity. Sectional status gives psychologists interested in HAS an opportunity to network, present symposia at the APA convention, and produce a publication. More generally, it gives the growing field of HAS a place at the table of establishment psychology. We are very grateful to Mary Lou Randour, PhD (formerly of PsyETA and now with the Humane Society of the United States), whose efforts are largely responsible for this success.
cheers, Bill
William Lynn :: Feb.06.2007 :: Human-Animal Studies :: No Comments »