Steve Smith of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School has been appointed as the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 51 – Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity representative to the APA Interdivisional Coalition for Psychology in Schools and Education. The mission of the coalition is to bring together interested psychologists to promote and make publicly accessible applications of the research that psychology has developed to assist the nation in improving the quality of public and private pre-K to 12 education. The coalition further hopes to influence APA’s involvement in policymaking and legislation associated with the nation's educational agenda.
Smith says about the appointment, “I’m excited to be a part of these important discussions about how psychology can contribute to education, particularly as it relates to the education of boys.”
The Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity (SPSMM), Division 51 of the APA, advances knowledge in the psychology of men through research, education, training, public policy, and improved clinical practice. Division 51 believes aspects of traditional gender roles are restrictive in nature and often lead to negative consequences and unhealthy interactions for many individuals and society. SPSMM endeavors to point out constrictive conceptions of masculinity that have inhibited men’s development, reduced men’s capacity to form meaningful relationships, and contributed to the oppression of others. SPSMM supports the empowerment of all persons and believes this empowerment leads to the highest level of functioning in individual men and women.
Steve Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology. He teaches courses in assessment and serves as the Graduate Advisor. He is interested in masculine identity development and psychotherapy with boys and men, psychotherapy with athletes, healthy models of youth sport, and diversity issues in personality assessment. For information about his talks, consultation, and private practice, please see http://www.sparccal.com.