Involving psychologists in public policy in Puerto Rico: Processes and Results

Abstract

For many years, psychology in Puerto Rico was considered an individual-level positivistic science with a neutral stance towards socio-political issues. However, during recent years psychologists on the Island have become more involved in policy issues. Initially this was the result of the pioneering work of some individuals. More recently, systematic efforts have been supported by research within the socialcommunity psychology program at the University of Puerto Rico and by the Puerto Rico Psychology Association (PRPA). Results of these studies showed that most psychologists who did not participate in policy work had one of the following reasons: a) lack of time, b) lack of training, and/or c) negative attitudes toward party politics. However, there are examples of work in public policy as a result of individual efforts, from NGOs, the PRPA, governmental agencies, and private practitioners. Regarding training, research demonstrated that there are hardly any courses on the subject in graduate programs, nor emphasis on the competencies required for the task in the available curriculum. There are also few publications about psychologists and public policy. This article will: a) provide information about the efforts that have led to increased participation of psychologists in policy work, b) present examples of research and projects carried out in Puerto Rico, and c) discuss the training available and how it should be modified to facilitate involvement in public policy. Community psychology is committed to the pursuit of social change and social justice (Serrano-García, Carvallo, & Walters, 2009). It pursues these goals through diverse and interlocking levels of intervention which include the individual, group, community, organizational, and policy levels. Although the emphasis on policy is relatively recent, it has gained great momentum as one of the areas of disciplinary growth in the United States (Maton, 2013; Phillips, 2000). In Puerto Rico, psychology was considered an individual-level positivistic science, which should hold a neutral stance towards social and political issues. Although some still think this way, much has changed including an increasing interest in policy. For many years there were isolated efforts to work at this level. These efforts have increased and have been spurred mainly by social-community and clinical-community psychologists. Thus, the purpose of this article is to: a) provide information on efforts that have led to increased participation of psychologists in policy work, b) present examples of research and projects at this level of intervention carried out in Puerto Rico, and c) discuss training in public policy (PP). Special emphasis will be placed on the roles community psychologists1 have played in this transformation. The article has various sections including a) a description of efforts undertaken in Puerto Rico to foster participation of psychologists at the policy level, b) a description of the research about PP processes and issues, c) examples of practice and specific efforts of the Committee of Psychology and Public Policy (CPPP) of the Puerto Rico Psychology Association (PRPA), d) training devoted to policy in graduate programs on the Island, and e) recommendations for future development. The descriptions and analysis presented considers a PP process encompassing six phases: a) identification of the problem to be solved; b) analysis of its dimensions and complexities; c) formulation of a policy proposal; d) approval of the proposal at the executive, legislative, or judicial branch; e) implementation of the approved plan; and f) evaluation (Dinitto & Dye, 1987). This process can emanate from government entities (top-down) or from the citizenry, either individually or collectively (bottom-up; Dobelstein, 1997). Description of Efforts to Foster Participation of Psychologists in Public