Clinical Psychologist Archives - World of Psychology

Did You Think That APA You would think psychologists would have a unique understanding and appreciation of the power of human language and the meaning of words. Words shape perception, and psychologists not only study human perception, but also work to help change it when people are in need.

So in what world does a “mandatory assessment” fee not actually mean “mandatory” (as in, required)? Apparently, in the world of the American Psychological Association.

Since its inception, many, if not most, APA members have thought it was a required payment if you were a practicing clinical psychologist. It’s no wonder — the APA has referred to the fee as a “mandatory assessment” for the majority of that time. For most of us, that means it is required and obligatory.

(If you have no interest in American psychologist politics, you can safely skip the rest of this somewhat lengthy entry.)

Does Marriage Help Your Health and Happiness? The answer to this question of the ages is found within an insightful, detailed 3,800 word article by Tara Parker-Pope over at The New York Times. Although lengthy, it explores the research into this issue and focuses on the work by Ronald Glaser and Jan Kiecolt-Glaser from Ohio State University who’ve been studying the intersection of psychology on the biology of humans since the 1980s:

The two scientists were fascinated by each other’s work, which they often discussed over meals or while jogging together. Glaser suggested that they collaborate professionally, but finding common ground was a challenge: he studied virology and immunology; she was a clinical psychologist who focused on assertiveness and other behavior. In the early 1980s, however, Kiecolt-Glaser came across a book on the emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology, which concerns the interplay between behavior, the immune and endocrine systems and the brain and nervous system. The couple were intrigued by a science that lay at the intersection of their disciplines. […]

In their first research collaboration, they sought to measure the effect of psychological stress on the immune system. Although earlier studies had established that trauma and other major stress — like the death of a loved one or prolonged sleep deprivation — weakened the immune system, the Glasers wanted to know if lesser forms of stress, like those associated with the workplace or graduate school, had a similar effect.

Who would’ve thought that two scientists in unrelated fields would find a way to work together like that?

Clinical Psychologist

Did You Think That APA “Mandatory Fee” Was Mandatory?

Does Marriage Help Your Health and Happiness?