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The OPA would like to offer our sincere apologies to all of those impacted by the recent tragedies in Israel and Palestine for the delay in releasing an official statement.  We stand ready to assist all of those impacted by the recent world events.  

As the APA Council of Representatives (COR) Ombudsman, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, has stated:

"In times like these it is easy to become overwhelmed with the gravity of the atrocities. We are healers, and we are humans who are experiencing vicarious trauma over and over... Our reactions will differ just as each of us are unique individual beings. Let’s try our best not to inflict additional trauma on one another, intentional or unintentional…”

To that end, OPA's Prevention and Wellness Program (PWP) Committee is hosting a virtual Self-Care Assembly at 7:30pm-8:45pm on Monday, October 23rd for all licensed psychologists and members of OPA.  The intent of this Self Care Assembly is to create a space for healing, and for psychologists concerned about the impact of the war and the atrocities on themselves and their clients.

If you are interested in registering or learning more about this virtual PWP Self Care Assembly on October 23rd, at 7:30pm, click here.

Our education, research, clinical practices, and experiences lead us to conclude that gender and sexually diverse individuals want what all people want:  safety and peace and the ability to form and maintain relationships of their own choosing without fear of harm or retaliation.   Gender and sexually diverse individuals want security in jobs and housing:  knowing that they will not be evicted or fired for expressing their identity and for loving whom they love.

Research in child development makes it clear that the freedom to discuss matters of identity and to explore the many possibilities in life allows a young person to fully discover themselves and to hold firm in their beliefs and their identities, whatever those might be.  Not allowing exploration arrests the psychological development of children and teens and restricts their opportunities to find happiness in themselves and in their lives, which can have adverse consequences now or later in life.  

It is true that some parents may be uncomfortable as their child or teen adopts a certain life path, whether that involves gender and sexual identity or a particular career or even whom one will marry.  And parents may worry about any influence which they believe might lead their child to an understanding of themselves that they disagree with.  

We ask political leaders, community leaders, business leaders, people of faith, ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders to join us in denouncing hate directed at gender and sexually diverse people.  If not full-throated support, we ask that others at least adopt a “live and let live” approach which respects and even celebrates our vibrantly diverse nation.

• The Ohio Department of Health has set up a health assessment clinic for East Palestine area residents. Appointments are available by calling (234) 564-7755 or (234) 564-7888.
  
  
• Crisis support is being provided by Montgomery County’s Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services. They can be contacted at (937) 443-0416.
  
  
• Mental Health America of Ohio’s Get Connected program is a resource for people needing mental health treatment and community resources. They can be reached at (614) 242-4357.

• American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region 
  

For more information on the potential health effects of some of the chemicals released, including include vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene, visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s guide to hazardous chemicals: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/

For frequent EPA updates on the environmental status of the region, visit: https://www.epa.gov/oh/east-palestine-ohio-train-derailment-emergency-response

Ohio Psychological Association Names New Chief Executive Officer

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Today, December 2, 2022, the Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) announces the appointment of Dustin McKee as the new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McKee will be taking over the helm from Michael Ranney who has held the position for the last twenty-five years. This transition in leadership will take effect on January 3, 2023.

In preparation for Mr. Ranney’s departure, OPA’s Board of Directors recently honored the long-time CEO for a career that saw the association rise to be considered, by many, to be the best psychological state association in the country. His leadership has been instrumental in OPA’s continued growth and stability. The Board wishes to thank Mr. Ranney for his dedication and service and wishes him well on his retirement journey.

Appointed nearly a year ago, OPA’s Succession Planning Committee conducted an extensive needs-based analysis resulting in a nationwide talent search. The Board of Directors extends its gratitude to these volunteer committee members for their diligence and generosity in sharing their time and expertise. As a result of their efforts, the association is proud to welcome Mr. Dustin McKee as our new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. McKee brings 15 years of experience as a public affairs advocate in health, human and social services. He has led initiatives to secure policy changes and funding to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental illness, substance use disorders, poverty, and complex health conditions. Prior to accepting the CEO position with OPA, Dustin served as the Executive Director of the Make-A-Day Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on outreach and advocacy for marginalized populations. He also served as the Director of Policy for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, and as a policy analyst with organizations serving children and families, and individuals with developmental disabilities.

Mr. McKee earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Earlham College and a master’s degree in Social Work from Ohio University. His professional career and personal experiences have made him a passionate leader and an effective advocate for children and families, people with disabilities, and individuals living with behavioral health conditions. Dustin is excited about working with OPA members and staff to leverage the power of psychology to improve the lives of Ohioans.

The Ohio Psychological Association’s Board of Directors, members and staff look forward to welcoming Dustin in the coming weeks and are excited to begin this new chapter as a unified team.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is a membership organization of approximately 1,600 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and to improve people’s lives in Ohio. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

• The Kyiv Independent https://kyivindependent.com/
  
• Ukraine World www.ukraineworld.org
  
• The New Voice of Ukraine https://english.nv.ua/
  
• Rescue: https://www.rescue.org/article/ukraine-russia-crisis-what-happening
  
• Vet your resources: https://libguides.rutgers.edu/fake_news 

Advocacy/Donations: Many are wondering what they can do to help. Here are some reputable resources for assisting refugees or providing charity to those suffering in Ukraine and surrounding nations

• Rescue Organization www.rescue.org
  
• UNICEF https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-children-are-bearing-brunt-intensifying-crisisukraine/39481
  
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/27/how-to-help-ukraine/
  
• https://www.gq.com/story/where-to-donate-in-ukraine

Talking with children about the events in Ukraine:

• NASP: Talking to Children About Violence: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
  
• NASP: Supporting Refugee Children & Youth: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/war-and-terrorism/supporting-refugee-students
  
• https://www.pbssocal.org/education/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-ukraine-invasion
  
• https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/25/well/family/kids-teens-ukraine-russia.html

Avoiding discrimination and perpetration of racism during Ukraine crisis:

• Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/02/28/ukraine-coverage-media-racist-biases/
  
• Vice: https://www.vice.com/en/article/akvy84/racist-western-coverage-ukraine-russia
  
• Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2022/3/1/covering-ukraine-a-mean-streak-of-racist-exceptionalism

Thank you to those that helped provide resources for this statement, including membership, the APA and Div 17.

In response to the recent shooting in Atlanta and the rise in hate-based violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community over the past year, OPA stands firm in our solidarity with the AAPI community while also denouncing such violent acts.

Our American society is made stronger and more resilient through diversity, and these acts of violence go against our morals and guiding principles as a pluralistic nation. The ongoing and escalating brutality, perpetuated by fear mongering and hateful rhetoric, exacerbates not only the fear of safety and security of the AAPI community, but also other peoples who are marginalized or recognize the horrific impact of such attacks on American democracy. As psychologists, we acknowledge that these events have serious, negative consequences on individual and community well-being and trust those in power to address them effectively. We at OPA would like to extend our deepest sympathies to AAPI lives lost and all individuals wounded by racist rhetoric.

OPA offers its support to the Atlanta, GA community members and our nation affected by these events as well as psychologists who serve these individuals. We also mourn the harm and malignment experienced by our vibrant AAPI community. Our Association strives to create a safe space for advocacy by promoting non-violence and the value of diversity.  We do not endorse the violence or aggression. These series of events are a reminder to us of the importance of unity and the advancement of our societal knowledge of multiculturalism as we continue to navigate through these challenging times.

The Ohio Psychological Association strongly condemns the acts of unlawful civil disobedience and violence that led to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.  OPA recognizes that a hallmark of American Democracy is the peaceful transition among presidential leadership after our national elections this past fall. Wednesday's civil unrest that led to storming of the US Capitol represents an affront to an essential feature of our country's democratic process. This violence and civil disruption comes at a time of great political, emotional, and philosophical division within our nation and it is important now more than ever for us to unite together despite our sociopolitical differences against these violent acts of rage. As psychologists, we cannot imagine what our US members of Congress might have been feeling amidst the siege of the Capitol building where we expect that top security measures would be employed and as they were attempting to certify the Electoral College vote. OPA is saddened that considerable militarized security measures were preemptively employed for Black Lives Matter protests in May while these same protections were not taken for anticipated protests against the presidential election certification.  We at OPA would like to extend our heartfelt acknowledgement of the bravery of the members of Congress who helped move our democracy forward by certifying the election even after their lives were threatened. In addition, we extend our deepest sympathies to lives lost and those who were harmed during this time of protest across law enforcement and those exercising their Constitutional Freedom of Speech rights.
 
OPA offers its support to the Washington, DC community members and our nation affected by these events as well as psychologists who serve these individuals . Our Association strives to create a safe space for advocacy by promoting non-violence.  We do not endorse the expression of thoughts and feelings through violent or aggressive means. This series of events is a reminder to us of the importance of unity as we continue to navigate through these challenging times.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

Written by: Dr. Katharine Hahn Oh – OPA President | Dr. Erich Merkle – OPA President Elect | Dr. Mary Lewis – OPA Past President | Dr. Elizabeth Harris – OPA Diversity Vice President

In response to the recent shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, The Ohio Psychological Association expresses our deepest concern and sympathy to those directly and indirectly effected by this senseless act of hate. We stand in unity with our neighboring state, the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and with the Jewish community at large.  We condemn acts of hatred, gun violence, and crimes related to religious extremism and prejudice. 

What can we do about this kind of violence? It may seem easiest to feel helpless or to despair. However, as psychologists, there is much good we can do. To quote Dr. Ruth Fassinger, President of APA Division 17: 

Let us renew our resolve to use our words—our knowledge, our ability to listen and talk and help people heal—to repair the world, or in Hebrew, tikkun olam, in a fitting tribute to our Jewish brothers and sisters. Tikkun olam requires us to open our hearts and minds to the grief and pain of others, and to reach out in community and to bond in humanity as we challenge hate wherever we find it, using all of the tools we have, personally and professionally.

One psychologist friend of mine in Pittsburgh helped her neighbors stay safe as they sheltered near the synagogue in a coffee shop during the lock down. Each of us may know someone effected or may feel the echoes of prior traumas as we read of these events. Traumatic events such as these can often lead to symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and an increase in safety concerns. If you or anyone you know is experiencing distress as it relates this tragic event, or if you need professional assistance to support a child who has been affected by this event, please seek out a mental health professional. 

As you care for yourself, your clients, and others this week, know that we are together in our efforts to help repair the world.

Resources:

Statement from APA President: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/10/pittsburgh-shooting.aspx

Statement of APA President in Response to Shooting at ... www.apa.org WASHINGTON – Following is a statement by Jessica Henderson Daniel, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, in response to the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh.

APA resources for coping with mass shootings/gun violence: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/10/mass-shootings.aspx

APA Resources for Coping with Mass Shootings ... www.apa.org October 2, 2017 APA Resources for Coping with Mass Shootings, Understanding Gun Violence. Includes advice on how to talk to kids, calls for public health approach to gun problems

NASP tips for talking to children about violence: http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and ... www.nasponline.org High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk.

APA Division 17 Webinar: “Taking action against anti-semitism: An intergenerational dialogue” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ9fMUh9Vrs (cut and paste into your browser)

Taking Action Against Anti-Semitism: An Intergenerational ... www.youtube.com How can counseling psychologists take action to address anti-Semitism in their classrooms, clinical experience, and advocacy efforts? Counseling psychologists across training levels (e.g., student ...

Because of the recent sexual abuse claims made by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against former White House secretary Brett Kavanaugh, many people have been left wondering why Dr. Ford is coming forward about an incident that she claims happened three decades earlier. Many people are questioning whether or not the claims are even true. Notwithstanding a delay in reporting, research shows that young women infrequently report experiences of sexual victimization to the police, or other authorities. Survivors of sexual violence are more likely to discuss their experience with an acquaintance. Even still, the fear of negative social reactions is prominent in their decision of whether or not to do so. Negative social reactions that result in feelings of hurt, shame, or rejection may lead the survivor to believe that they were responsible for the assault.  Anticipated negative social reactions may impact the likelihood that they will disclose the experience to others in the future. The turmoil over whether or not to come forward may seem conflicting or confusing to some but research supports that it is more common than we think. 

Sexual assault is a major public health problem that occurs across the life span, in a variety of social contexts, with incidents ranging in severity. In the U.S. about 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 6 men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. 41% of female victims who reported history of completed rape, report that the first incident occurred before the age of 18 years old. Commonly reported outcomes following a sexual assault include feeling fearful (62% women, 18% men), concern for their safety (57% women, 17% men), and symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (52% women, 17% men). 

Frequently, sexual assault survivors experience stigma around the assault. Stigmas associated with sexual assault include victim blaming from those close to them, including friends, partners, social service providers and society as a whole. Stigma is a dynamic social process that may lead to rejection of sexual assault survivors. The effect of stigma and rejection can then be self-blame: survivors may accept and internalize blame for the abuse and/or assault. Self-blame is a major reason many do not come forward right away or ever. Shame may account for survivors feeling unworthy and defective. Many of these concerns lead to avoidant coping or the pure silence of the sexual assault survivor’s experiences.

Negative social reactions, self-blame, and shame are linked to poor outcomes such as PTSD, depression, psychological and physical distress, affect dysregulation, and maladaptive coping. If our social response to sexual assault were more supportive and helpful, it is likely that these poor outcomes could be avoided.
 
Awareness regarding sexual abuse survivor silence can help both the public and service providers to be more empathetic to sexual assault survivors, thus reducing stigma and negative responses. Increased awareness should lead to intentional efforts to help survivors feel supported and empowered. 

For more information and resources on sexual assault, see the following websites:
National Sexual Violence Hotline: https://www.rainn.org/
Sexual Assault Prevention: https://www.endsexualviolence.org/


References: 

Black, M. C., Basile, K. C., Breiding, M. J., Smith, S .G., Walters, M. L., Merrick, M.
T. Stevens, M. R. (2011). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 summary report. Retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/NISVS_Report2010-a.pdf

Gidycz, C., & Orchowskil, L. (2015). Psychological consequences associated with positive and negative responses to disclosure of sexual assault among college women: A prospective study. Violence against Women. 21, 7, pp. 803-823.

Kennedy, A., & Prock, K. (2016). ''I still feel like I am not normal'': A review of the role of stigma and stigmatization among female survivors of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. Trauma Violence & Abuse. DOI: 10.1177/1524838016673601.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People adopted by the American Psychological Association in 2015 details the importance of family and community acceptance in reducing the risk of negative outcomes among transgender and gender non-conforming youth such as depression, suicide, and HIV risk behaviors and infection. (American Psychological Association, 2015).

The attempt by Representatives Tom Brinkman and Paul Zeltwanger to claim that the position of the American Psychiatric Association regarding transgender young people supports HB 658 is a gross mischaracterization of psychiatric literature and current psychiatric opinion on this matter.  The DSM 5, to which Representatives Brinkman and Zeltwanger refer in their testimony, states clearly that one’s gender identity being different than one’s gender defined by biology is not a mental disorder.  It states “the current term gender dysphoria is more descriptive than the previous DSM-4 term gender identity disorder and focuses on dysphoria as the clinical problem, not identity per se.” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)

Dysphoria may occur for many reasons.  For some, it is addressing a confusion of identity and self-definition.  For others, it is dealing with social stressors punctuated by claiming an identity that others reject, sometimes violently.

Representatives Brinkman and Zeltwanger cite a study by the University of Minnesota finding that nearly 3% of adolescents identify as either transgender or as gender non-conforming.  The findings came from a population study of 81,855 ninth and 11^th grade students in Minnesota. Since Representatives Brinkman and Zeltwanger do not explain the connection to HB 658, their intent in citing this study is unclear. 

But, representatives Brinkman and Zeltwanger failed to report other important findings from that study.  In a summary of that 2016 study, a University of Minnesota press release states the following regarding transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth:

Most notably, nearly two-thirds of TGNC responders reported they had experienced suicidal thoughts, a rate three times higher than the cisgender population.

In addition to the high prevalence of risk behaviors, the study showed TGNC youth had significantly lower rates of protective factors such as internal assets, family connectedness, teacher-student relationships, and feeling safe in one’s own community than cisgender youth.

That being said, the majority of TGNC youth did report they were able to communicate with their parents at least occasionally, felt support from teachers, and possessed internal strengths they could utilize.

“These protective factors have been shown to buffer young people against poor outcomes,” said Eisenberg. “This suggests many viable avenues for bolstering support of these youth.”  (University of Minnesota, 2017)

Rather than restrict avenues for supporting transgender students, as HB 658 seeks to do, the authors of the study seem to suggest that acceptance and tolerance are the desired responses to transgender young people.

Also unclear is why Brinkman and Zeltwanger cited testimony by the director of the Transgender Clinic at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.   The fact that 100% of those referred to a specialty clinic would be deemed appropriate for treatment is expected.  One is referred to a specialty clinic usually by other providers or when one has researched programs within which one can get needed care.  In other words, these patients are self-selected and have consulted other professionals before finding themselves at Cincinnati Children’s. 

Besides, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is the second ranked children’s hospital in the country.  It ranks highly among children’s hospitals because it is on the forefront of medical treatment for children and adolescents.  One should assume that, clinically, this facility knows what it is doing by having a program devoted to assisting transgender youths.

Brinkman and Zeltwanger state that parents need to be able to control how others relate to their child.  But, it is well-known that parents do not always have the best interests of their children as their first priority.  The on-going need for child protection in Ohio counties is a testimony to that.  Children are beaten by parents, trafficked by parents, and sometimes killed by parents.  Even well-meaning parents can harm their children, as when children’s services agencies must take custody of children whose parents’ beliefs deprive them of life-saving medical care. 

It is best that issues surrounding how to approach transgender children and adolescents not be legislated.  And, juvenile judges should not be forced by legislation to suspend their judicial discretion. 

Legislation is a blunt instrument that can lead to unintended consequences.  Legislation does not consider the individuals involved in these matters or their personal stories and struggles.  And HB 658 does not consider at all the clinical literature that strongly promotes acceptance and support of transgender youths rather than isolation and degradation. 

The Ohio Psychological Association urges the House Community and Family Advancement Committee to not pass HB 658 on to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.

Click here to view OPA's bullet points in response to HB658.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• American Psychological Association. (2015). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People. American Psychologist, 70 (9), 832-864. doi: 10.1037/a0039906
• The University of Minnesota (2017 July 27).  UMN Study:  Nearly 3% of Minnesota High School Students Identify as Transgender, Gender Nonconforming.  Retrieved from www.health.umn.edu

June 19, 2018
Written by: Ohio Psychological Association Board of Directors


The Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) is a membership organization representing psychologists in Ohio. Our members work in private practice, at colleges and universities, schools, in the public sector, hospitals, and in integrated care programs. Ohio psychologists work with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. 

Our Mission is “To advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and to improve people’s lives in Ohio.” Our values include:  

• Championing human rights and mental well-being for all
  
• Modeling diversity and inclusiveness
  

We strongly endorse the statements made by the American Psychological Association President, Dr. Jessica Henderson Daniel, regarding the harmful impact on the mental health of immigrant children and families, who are fleeing violence in their countries by coming to the United States, only to be separated and interred. (http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/05/separating-immigrant-families.aspx ) Our profession’s scientific literature documents that separating children from their parents often leads to anxiety and depression, as well as possible attachment difficulties and trauma, which can adversely affect academic performance and the developmental sequence.

As psychologists we are bound by a Code of Ethical Conduct and these actions by our Government are inconsistent with our Ethical mandates. We call on all psychologists in Ohio to contact Trump Administration officials, your member of Congress and our Senators and tell them to rescind this ill-conceived policy. OPA urges all healthcare professionals to petition the Trump Administration and Congress to end this harmful and unethical practice and keep families intact. We can and should have a practical, moral, and humane border policy.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

The Ohio Psychological Association would like to express our sympathies to the families of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. We know these celebrity deaths have underscored a growing public health crisis in the U.S. around suicide. Combined with the recent Centers for Disease Control study showing an increase in death by suicide since 1999, this crisis indicates a clear need for greater research, treatment, and understanding of mental health and suicide prevention. Suicide affects all of us, across all age ranges, and as psychologists, we are working diligently to prevent it. Please use and share the resources below to help prevent suicide. 

If you’re struggling, please reach out to talk with someone. 

The following resources can be a place to start:   

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – You can reach the lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255. It is a free, 24/7 service that can provide suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources. 
  
• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to have a confidential text conversation, available 24/7, with a trained crisis counselor from Crisis Text Line.
  
• For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454.
  
• For online chat, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides a confidential chat service, with counselors available 24/7.
  
• Prevention of Youth Suicide resources from the National Association of School Psychologists
  
• Information from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation 
  
• For College/University Students in Ohio 
  
• Safer Schools Tip Line
  
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) suicide prevention tips for parents and educators
  
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (for Providers)

Click here to download/print these resources.

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The Ohio Psychological Association, in Columbus, Ohio, is membership organization of approximately 1,500 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.

As members of the Ohio Psychological Association’s Diversity Committee we offer the following statement on Islamophobia, xenophobia, and immigrant mental health. We are particularly compelled to make such a statement in the aftermath of November 28, 2016. Abdul Razak Ali Artan’s violent act on this day has affected the communities we serve as psychologists and belong to as individuals. We condemn acts of violence, especially ones such as this, intended to create psychological harm and separation between our communities. Our statement is intended to disseminate information for healing, unification, and understanding.

According to the Center for Race and Gender at the University of California, Berkeley, the term Islamophobia was first introduced as a concept in a 1991 Runnymede Trust Report and defined as unfounded hostility toward Muslims and therefore fear or dislike of all or most Muslims. The term was created predominantly in the context of Muslims, and was grounded in the more common xenophobia framework. Common assumptions regarding Islamophobia are based on beliefs that Islam cannot adapt to new realities, doesn’t share common values with other major faiths, is barbaric and irrational, and promotes violence and terrorism. Islamophobia erroneously promotes the rationalization of the necessity to employ violence as a tool to achieve civilizational rehab of the target communities and reintroduces a racial structure in which disparities are maintained and extended.

One consequence of the current public rhetoric against Muslims is that there is renewed attention to the discrimination being espoused: Islamophobia. The word has a broad meaning and often serves as an umbrella term to encapsulate negative sentiments ranging from individual anti-Islamic views to society-wide discrimination. It evokes similar pejorative labels for discrimination against other groups such as anti-Semitism and people of color. It helps to describe a whole spectrum of behavior and attitudes that have existed a long time even before there was a name. 

Similar to other prejudices, Islamophobia is a learned fear, one instilled by society.  Islamophobia is often perpetuated by anti-Muslim images and negative stereotypes which may reinforce marginalization, faulty generalizations, discrimination, and biased behaviors. Hence, it is not surprising that negative views of Islam are still alive and well documented in the United States. For example, a poll conducted by YouGov which found, on average 55% of adults polled in the United States hold unfavorable opinions of Islam. The same poll also found that the majority of respondents had limited contact with Muslims, 74% of the respondents indicated they had neither worked with Muslims nor had Muslim friends. 

The most recent wave of anti-Muslim sentiment seems to have grown out of perceived threats to security and safety. As a result, some may perceive Islamophobia comments as stemming from perceived threats to safety and security, and therefore feel justified in making such comments. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the majority of Muslims in the United States condemn the horrific attacks put forward by terrorist groups and feel similar perceived threats to security and safety. 

Religious prejudices such as Islamophobia can hinder the process of acculturation for Muslim immigrants. Acculturation can be defined as the changes that occur as a result of sustained intercultural contact between individuals and groups. Research conducted on acculturation finds that ethnic identity and pride in heritage culture often serve as a protective factor for immigrants. Nevertheless, perceived experiences of prejudice create risk for the isolation and marginalization of immigrants. Stated differently, when individuals receive negative messages about themselves, their self-esteem can protect them or suffer injury. Further, negative messages do not only threaten one’s value of self-worth, but also the value of the society where they live.

Understanding the psychology of acculturation provides insight to the intersection of immigration and mental health. Immigrants sometimes endure trauma in their countries of origin and also in their relocation. Fear and withdrawal from everyday life and community can contribute to anxiety and depression as a result of displacement and navigating new and confusing systems. Hence, exposure to violence, lack of social support, perceived discrimination, and instability become significant risk factors for being vulnerable to experiencing psychological issues.

Furthermore, it is important to reflect upon our society’s language, attitudes, and systems for welcoming immigrants into our culture. Our local municipalities are aware that we benefit from immigrants living in our communities as they often create economic growth and begin their own small businesses. As Americans, we historically benefit from immigrants, overwhelmingly descend from immigrants, and would be served to recognize that immigrant mental health is American mental health. As mental health professionals, our goal is to design and implement data driven, clinically responsive, and culturally competent mental health services that promote greater engagement with immigrant and refugee individuals from all backgrounds.

The Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) expresses hope that Islamophobia in the United States will begin to reach a turning point, and with increased education, awareness and enhanced illumination it will subside. We recognize that mentorship and belonging are extremely important for minorities and people of color, especially within systems that do not value or understand our diversity variables. We look forward to a future of collaboration and shared prosperity with our fellow immigrants and Muslim Americans.

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Click here for permanent archive of OPA's Statements and Resolutions