ABSTRACT
Psychological and behavioral health policies are critical in the successful public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychologists trained in policy and advocacy can lead efforts to integrate psychological science and mental health considerations into policy responses to the pandemic. The authors summarize existing opportunities and propose expanding training opportunities, including undergraduate and graduate coursework, seminars, online, one-time trainings, continuing education, and postdoctoral fellowships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Subject(s)
Consumer Advocacy , Coronavirus Infections , Curriculum , Education, Professional , Mental Health Services , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Psychology/education , Public Policy , COVID-19 , HumansABSTRACT
This pilot study explored clergy members' attitudes about ways to support the mental health needs of sexual and gender minorities (SGM; e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people). Participants (N = 86, 46% female, 26% SGMs) were US clergy members from a variety of religious faiths but mostly were leaders in Christian faith communities in the greater Chicago area. Clergy participants completed quantitative and qualitative items asking what types of resources (e.g., workshops, websites, consultations, or testimonies) and delivery format (online or in-person) they perceived as most helpful in supporting the mental health of SGM members in their faith communities. The results demonstrated that clergy members found all listed resources to be helpful to varying degrees, although suicide and homelessness prevention were prioritized above other resources. Clergy members also prioritized resources related to supporting gender minorities to be more informative, relative to resources for supporting sexual minorities. Finally, clergy member preferred information to be delivered in-person instead of online. The degree of openness to LGBTQ health promotion resources did not vary by clergy religious denomination.