Psychological Literacy and
Public Health:Creating Trans-Disciplinary and
Global Partnerships
S.D. Shantinath, D.D.S, M.P.H., Ph.D., C.P.H. Associate Professor of Public Health
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, USA
Definition of Psychological Literacy
• Evolving• Includes the following elements:
- Critical thinking- Research applied in daily life- Global citizenship
• Implication individuals and the public benefit from this
Natural Partners with Shared Values Psychological Literacy
• Global Citizenship - an element of psychological literacy
• Using psychological science to inform actions and issues
• A way of thinking about the world our relationships with others
• Social justice• Equity • Sustainability
(Oxfam)
Public Health
• Promote the common good• Inclusive of health and human
rights• Science based • Behavioral sciences are one of
the core competencies of public health education
• Access to care • Equity • Sustainability
(WHO)
Cascade of Psychological Literacy
PSYCHOLOGICAL LITERACY
DIRECTDISSEMINATION
PROJECTS STUDENTS
THE PUBLIC
TEACHING
INVOLVEMENT IN PROJECTS
Two Examples of Promoting Psychological Literacy
• Teaching • Dissemination to Address Urgent Problems in
the World
Teaching Behavioral Science to Future Dentists – in the Context of Empowerment to be Critical Thinkers and Agents of Change
• Mandatory graduate level course• Part of the Public Health Certificate required for
graduation from an innovative dental school • Online delivery tailored to dental students
enables “doubling up” and “integration” into traditional dental education
• Entrance requirements include two hundred hours of public service along with biology, chemistry, physics
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Promoting Psychological Literacy: Mobilizing to End the Global Epidemic of Violence and Depression
CHALLENGES Widespread Global Problems of
Poor Physical and Mental Health
Lack of Resources for Prevention
Under-Utilization of Research Findings
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT AND
PARTNERSHIP
BENEFITS TO SOCIETY Reduced Suffering Reduced Health Care
Costs
Contact: S.D. Shantinath,D.D.S., M.P.H.,Ph.D, C.P.H. Associate Professor of Public HealthAT Still University of Health Sciences5835 E. Still Circle, Mesa, AZ, 85206, [email protected]: +1-650-862-4040
Eradicating Female Illiteracy
Promoting Positive Psychology
Promoting Mental Health & Preventing Psychological Distress
Mental Health Promotion for Italian Youth
Disseminating Health Information – Empowering Women as Agents of Health
Promotion and Beneficiaries of Health Promotion
Portfolio of Dissemination Projects
• Violence Prevention • Depression and Distress Prevention• Bullying Prevention • Can be extended to include:
- Smoking Cessation- Cardio Vascular Disease Prevention - Diabetes Prevention - Cancer Prevention.
Key Points
• Violence affects 1 out of every 3 women around the world
• Depression is a leading cause of disability in the world
• Psychology can prevent these problems• Let’s mobilize students and colleagues to end
the global epidemics of violence and depression.
• Thank You!
References
• Choi, BC, Pak, AW (2006), Multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and and transdisciplinaity in health research, services, education and policy: 1. Definitions, objectives, and evidence of effectiveness.
• World Health Organization (2014): http://www.who.int/trade/glossary/story076/en/
• OXFAM (2014) http://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/global-citizenship
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