Psychologists Adopt Stance Against Torture, But Do Not Change Policy about Assisting in Interrogations
Aug 15th, 2006 • Posted in: NewsNEW ORLEANS
The largest professional association of psychologists, which had faced criticism for its decision a year ago to allow psychologists to assist in military interrogations of terror suspects, last week went on record as opposing torture but left its interrogation policy intact.
At its convention in New Orleans, the American Psychological Association (APA) adopted a resolution saying it “unequivocally condemns any involvement by psychologists in torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This APA policy applies to all psychologists in all settings,” according to a statement from the organization.
In addition, the APA’s statement said psychologists are duty-bound to intervene and stop acts of torture or abuse, and said it was “the ethical obligation of all psychologists to report such behavior to appropriate authorities.”
But the organization stopped short of reversing its existing policy affirming that it is ethical for psychologists to assist in military interrogations. The Associated Press reported that critics are troubled by incidents in which mental heath specialists are reported to have helped interrogators refine coercive techniques to extract information, including exploiting detainees’ phobias.
“There is no way for the APA to be involved in those interrogations without becoming complicit in torture,” said Leonard Rubenstein, executive director of Physicians for Human Rights, who was among the speakers at this week’s convention, according to the AP.
Advocates of having psychologists assist in interrogations maintain that the presence of a psychologist can protect detainees. Frank Farley, a psychology professor and former APA president, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that anyone who believes interrogations are not necessary is “naïve,” and “having a person who subscribes to APA ethics in the room at the time can only be a good thing.”
The Houston Chronicle reported that the American Medical Association has adopted what many view as a stronger policy against participation in interrogation of prisoners.
Print This Story
Email This Story
[...] more information, see: Related Newsline story, Nov. 5, 2007 — Related Newsline story, Aug. 15, 2006 — Related Newsline story, July 11, 2005 — Related Newsline story, [...]