Giving Psychology Away: A Personal Journey

Abstract

In this autobiographical essay, I trace the origins of my passion for communicating with the public about mental health and the behavioral sciences and make a case for spreading such passion among psychologists. I also describe the circuitous route that led to my unlikely 4-year tenure as editor-in-chief of Psychology Today magazine and describe some of the inner workings of this New York—based, commercial enterprise—formerly the property of the American Psychological Association. I made some progress in that role to return the magazine to its scientific origins, providing an outlet for hundreds of scientists and practitioners to speak directly to millions of Americans about their work. This is an essential task, I argue, if our field is to flourish. I also detail my departure as editor-in-chief of Psychology Today and describe the magazine's rapid return to “pop” status. Media sources do not automatically welcome participation by clinicians or behavioral scientists. Through a contingency analysis, I suggest ways of improving our ability to interface successfully with media professionals.