Macropsychology: A Population Science for Sustainable Development Goals

This volume argues for the development of a macro perspective within psychology that more effectively incorporates social structures, systems, policies, and institutions. The book emphasizes how social structures and systems can ultimately promote, or erode, psychological wellbeing. Macropsychology is concerned with ＂understanding up,＂ or how we can influence the settings and conditions of the society in which we live. Psychology has traditionally been more interested in ＂understanding down,＂ that is, with the behaviour of individuals and groups; in inter-psychic and intra-psychic and in neurological and biological processes.

This volume argues that psychology can more effectively contribute at the macro or societa level, by addressing grand challenges and global goals, using big data, and intervening at the population level.Bringing together social, organizational, cultural, and health psychology research, the book demonstrates a broad range of areas benefitting from a macropsychology perspective, particularly areas integral to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contributors address the value of macropsychological perspectives in addressing sub-topics such as:

• Mental health
• Personality traits and social structure
• Disability rights
• Food systems
• Humanitarian work psychology

Macropsychology: A Population Science for Sustainable Development Goals aims to recognise and give impetus to a neglected perspective within psychology, and to inspire a paradigm-widening within the field of psychology, facilitating greater involvement with social justice and human rights.

Prof. Mac MacLachlan is Professor of Psychology and Social Inclusion and Co-Director of the Assisting Living & Learning (ALL) Institute, Maynooth University, Ireland. Previous appointments include a Personal Chair in Global Health at Trinity College Dublin, and Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Malawi. He has worked as an academic, clinician, organisational consultant and policy advisor in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America; with government, civil society, corporates and United Nations’ agencies. Mac is currently National Clinical Lead for Disability Services for the HSE (Irish Health Service), Research & Innovation Lead for WHO’s Global Collaboration on Assistive Technology (GATE) programme; and was previously the Knowledge Management Lead for the United Nations’ Partnership for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD).

Dr. Joanne McVeigh is a Lecturer in Applied Psychology, and Co-Director of the M.A. Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour at University College Cork, Ireland. She was previously a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Maynooth University, subsequent to completing her PhD at Trinity College Dublin. Her work is inter-disciplinary, focusing on the interface between Psychology and Global Health. Supporting psychosocial well-being, social inclusion, human rights, and organisational justice, particularly for occupational groups at high risk for stress and for marginalised populations, is a core focus of her work. She has been a primary researcher in the area of disability and rehabilitation for research commissioned by the World Health Organisation; and has carried out consultancy work in the area of disability for the International Disability Alliance and the HSE (Irish Health Service).