Formulating Policy
This section provides psychological perspectives on policy. The psychological consequences of governmental initiatives are important to consider for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is growing awareness that politicians need to consider the well-being of their citizens, and that policy decisions should go beyond 'bottom line' economic arguments. As psychologists, we are in a position to analyse the evidence in policy recommendations, governmental speeches and investment in local and national schemes. This strategy will look at whether a particular policy has considered the wealth of psychological research that it relates to and, if not, how doing so might help to us to understand the initiative in question. For example, we also believe that it is crucial to draw attention to the impact that policy might have on marginalised groups and individuals. Recently, there has been political recognition that the organisation of our society is not working for many people. We hope that this strategy will celebrate psychologically informed and evidence based policies that will have a positive impact on people's well-being. However, we will also hold to account and critical appraise those policies that do not consider the mental health implications.
We also have a firm commitment to articulating clear routes to the prevention of mental health problems. We are aware of the growing body of research that clearly demonstrates the benefits of a growing range of therapies. We recognise the importance and value of personal therapy, both as practitioners and sometimes clients ourselves, but we also recognise that therapy will not be available to all those who need it for the length of time that they need it for. We believe that articulating preventative strategies needs to go hand with individual therapy. For this reason, this campaign will also look particular policies that indicate a psychologically healthy society, as articulated in our first briefing paper. Therefore, in developing our own policy recommendations, we will demonstrate how they might improve people's agency, security, connection, sense of meaning and trust.
Click on the images below to be taken to:
- Basic Income: Psychological Impact Assessment
- The origins of Happiness? PSC Response
We also have a firm commitment to articulating clear routes to the prevention of mental health problems. We are aware of the growing body of research that clearly demonstrates the benefits of a growing range of therapies. We recognise the importance and value of personal therapy, both as practitioners and sometimes clients ourselves, but we also recognise that therapy will not be available to all those who need it for the length of time that they need it for. We believe that articulating preventative strategies needs to go hand with individual therapy. For this reason, this campaign will also look particular policies that indicate a psychologically healthy society, as articulated in our first briefing paper. Therefore, in developing our own policy recommendations, we will demonstrate how they might improve people's agency, security, connection, sense of meaning and trust.
Click on the images below to be taken to:
- Basic Income: Psychological Impact Assessment
- The origins of Happiness? PSC Response
