My research area is the teaching of psychology. However, I am also
interested in clinical psychology as well. One of the main topics on the
Society of the Teaching of Psychology webpage (2022) was the necessary
taken to prevent racial and other discrimination. The APA (2017) code of
“do no harm” was referenced in that section. Additionally, improvements
in the teaching of psychology, specifically at the high school level was
reviewed as well. Within that section, mis-teachings of psychological
information were presented due to the rapid spread of false information
via social media and other forms of media that present claims that are not
completely accurate.
From a biblical perspective, the teaching of psychology, in general can be
viewed as a spiritual gift. According to Romans 12:6-8 “Having gifts that
differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in
proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in
his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who
contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does
acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (ESV, 2022, Romans 12:6-8). Meaning,
each person has various gifts given by God and we shall use them all
accordingly. In my situation, I do feel as though teaching is my gift. I work
diligently in order to make sure I am following this gift and God’s Will for
my lift.
Additionally, the a biblical principle that people must strive to adhere to is
the need to treat others fairly and justly (ESV, 2022). This principle applies
to the topic of discrimination presented by the Society of the Teaching of
Psychology (2022) in that others shall not be treated unjustly or
differently. Doing so would be unethical and go against the God’s desire
for His children.
Lastly, the bible warns about spreading incorrect information, just as the
article on the Society of the Teaching of Psychology (2022) warned
towards psychology specifically. For instance, Exodus 23:1 states “You
shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man
to be a malicious witness” (ESV, 2022, Exodus 23:1). Thus, all should be
carful when spreading information, whether it be about pop psychology,
researching information, or about other topics in general.
Resources
APA Divisions. American Psychological Association.
https://www.apa.org/about/division/index Society of the Teaching of
Psychology. Division 2. http://www.teachpsych.org/?
_ga=2.202119569.1691603939.1648762193-2090994220.1642780079F
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of
psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved
fromFhttps://www.apa.org/ethics/code/ethics-code-2017.pdf
English Standard Version Bible. (2022). ESV Online. https:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs
%2018%3A15&version=ESV
