A primer for advancing psychology in the public sector.

Safarjan, Bill

doi:10.1037/0003-066x.57.11.947

Cited by 6 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Much of the academic literature concentrates on the role of scientists and health professionals (eg, psychologists, mental health specialists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, and social workers) in advocating for health equity . Their experiences can be particularly persuasive in advocacy efforts .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advocacy for Health Equity: A Synthesis Review

et al. 2015

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ContextHealth inequalities are systematic differences in health among social groups that are caused by unequal exposure to—and distributions of—the social determinants of health (SDH). They are persistent between and within countries despite action to reduce them. Advocacy is a means of promoting policies that improve health equity, but the literature on how to do so effectively is dispersed. The aim of this review is to synthesize the evidence in the academic and gray literature and to provide a body of knowledge for advocates to draw on to inform their efforts.MethodsThis article is a systematic review of the academic literature and a fixed-length systematic search of the gray literature. After applying our inclusion criteria, we analyzed our findings according to our predefined dimensions of advocacy for health equity. Last, we synthesized our findings and made a critical appraisal of the literature.FindingsThe policy world is complex, and scientific evidence is unlikely to be conclusive in making decisions. Timely qualitative, interdisciplinary, and mixed-methods research may be valuable in advocacy efforts. The potential impact of evidence can be increased by “packaging” it as part of knowledge transfer and translation. Increased contact between researchers and policymakers could improve the uptake of research in policy processes. Researchers can play a role in advocacy efforts, although health professionals and disadvantaged people, who have direct contact with or experience of hardship, can be particularly persuasive in advocacy efforts. Different types of advocacy messages can accompany evidence, but messages should be tailored to advocacy target. Several barriers hamper advocacy efforts. The most frequently cited in the academic literature are the current political and economic zeitgeist and related public opinion, which tend to blame disadvantaged people for their ill health, even though biomedical approaches to health and political short-termism also act as barriers. These barriers could be tackled through long-term actions to raise public awareness and understanding of the SDH and through training of health professionals in advocacy. Advocates need to take advantage of “windows of opportunity,” which open and close quickly, and demonstrate expertise and credibility.ConclusionsThis article brings together for the first time evidence from the academic and the gray literature and provides a building block for efforts to advocate for health equity. Evidence regarding many of the dimensions is scant, and additional research is merited, particularly concerning the applicability of findings outside the English-speaking world. Advocacy organizations have a central role in advocating for health equity, given the challenges bridging the worlds of civil society, research, and policy.Policy Points:• Many barriers hamper advocacy for health equity, including the contemporary economic zeitgeist, the biomedical health perspective, and difficulties cooperating across policy sectors on the issue.• Effective advocacy s...

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advocacy for Health Equity: A Synthesis Review

et al. 2015

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“…Although not the focus of this study, the results highlighted the fact that Black inmates are disproportionately incarcerated and for longer sentences compared with their White counterparts. As the discipline of psychology considers its role in advocacy (Dobson, 2002; Fouad, 2002; Levant et al, 2001; Miller, 2002; Safarjan, 2002), psychologists should note that the U.S. legal system is clearly one governing body that continues to marginalize minorities and thereby warrants the advocacy efforts of psychologists. Of additional concern is the finding that White inmates were more likely to have received mental health counseling as children than were their Black counterparts.…”

Section: Implications For All Psychologistsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inmate Perceptions of Mental Health Services.

Morgan¹,

Rozycki²,

Wilson³

2004

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

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With the increasing rise in the U.S. prison population, meeting the mental health needs of inmates before, during, and after incarceration remains an obstacle. What are the mental health experiences of inmates? For what types of problems are inmates willing to seek help, and what are the barriers to their service utilization? This study investigated inmates' attitudes and perceptions toward mental health services and examined whether these attitudes and perceptions vary with respect to ethnic group membership or among inmates of differing security levels. Implications of these findings for psychologists, including psychologists not employed in correctional settings, are highlighted.

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“…In discussing advocacy, Safarjan (2002) noted that there are four prerequisites in advocating change: (a) identifying a clear problem, (b) assessing the goal, (c) developing a strategy, and (d) implementing a plan. Of note, this is often psychologists' approach when providing clinical services.…”

Section: Organizational Advocacymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Identifying partners and having a clear message are elements of building a cogent communication strategy. Safarjan (2002) describes several principles for advocates, three of which are particularly relevant to organizational advocacy and communication: (a) Improve quality of life, (b) do not make assumptions, and (c) speak their language. The goal in organizational advocacy is the improvement of services and quality of life of clients, the discipline, and professional service partners.…”

Section: Organizational Advocacy As Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In discussing the health sector, Safarjan (2002) notes, “Psychologists have the knowledge, expertise, and experience necessary to change health care delivery system, yet in state hospitals, they are not positioned to easily promote change” (p. 949). This is true because psychologists often find themselves focused on service delivery, a role for which they trained and in which they feel comfortable.…”

Section: Organizational Advocacy As Partneringmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Partnering with a purpose: Psychologists as advocates in organizations.

Hill¹

2013

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

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Professional Psychology: Research and Practice is published bimonthly (beginning in February) by the American Psychological Association. The journal publishes articles on the application of psychology, including the scientific underpinnings of the profession of psychology. Articles that present assessment, treatment, and practice implications are encouraged. Both data-based and theoretical articles on techniques and practices used in the application of psychology are acceptable. The journal also publishes brief reports on research or practice in professional psychology. For more information, including how to subscribe, please visit the journal's Web site at www.apa.org/pubs/journals/pro.

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A primer for advancing psychology in the public sector.

Cited by 6 publications

References 23 publications

Advocacy for Health Equity: A Synthesis Review

Advocacy for Health Equity: A Synthesis Review

Inmate Perceptions of Mental Health Services.

Partnering with a purpose: Psychologists as advocates in organizations.

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