American Psychological Association Division 50
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News Date: Friday, December 13, 2024 - 11:00
Call for papers: Psychological disaster response: Innovations for practitioners
Deadline for manuscript first-draft submissions: June 30, 2025
Guest editors (alphabetical)
Pat DeLeon, PhD, MPH, JD; Jun Hee Kang, MPP; Gerry Koocher, PhD, LP, ABPP; Diane E. Logan, PhD, ABAP; Marina M. Matsui, MA
Background and context
In the aftermath of a disaster, local practitioners often face an urgent need to support their community, even when lacking specific expertise in disaster response. Many struggle to deliver ethical, evidence-based care amidst heightened distress, uncertainty, and evolving priorities. While outside providers may offer well-intentioned help, a lack of cultural awareness can hinder trust and rapport with affected communities. This special issue equips Practice Innovations readers with actionable strategies and insights from multidisciplinary practitioners experienced in innovative psychological disaster response.
Special issue aims
This special issue seeks articles that provide evidence-based, culturally informed strategies for psychological disaster response. Submissions should promote high standards of care, serve as adaptable references in urgent situations, and highlight best practices for cross-disciplinary collaboration across all recovery phases. Topics include disaster response interventions, cultural competency, practitioner collaboration, safeguarding vulnerable communities, and supporting responder well-being.
Submission details
A letter of interest (LOI) from interested contributors should include:
1) Tentative title
2) Brief description and outline of the proposed submission (450 words max)
3) Authors, including affiliation, contact information, and brief description of prior disaster response work
The guest editors will review the letters of interest, and a selection of these will be invited to submit a full manuscript. The full manuscripts will go through a peer-review process, and decisions on acceptance for publication will be made by the guest editors in consultation with Editor Jeff Zimmerman, PhD.
Letters of interest must be received by Marina Matsui (matsuimm@hawaii.edu) no later than January 15, 2024.
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