Did the policy statement adopted by APA in 2007 include a “loophole” that allows torture in some instances?
A. There had been concern that the 2007 policy created a loophole in APA’s prohibition against torture and other forms of abusive detention, treatment or punishment, although no such loophole was ever intended. To address this concern, the APA Council of Representatives adopted the following resolution in February of 2008, which reinforces and further clarifies APA’s strict forbiddance of any involvement by any psychologist in an interrogation that could lead to psychological or physical harm to a detainee: February 2008 Resolution: Amendment to the Reaffirmation of the American Psychological Association Position Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and Its Application to Individuals Defined in the United States Code as “Enemy Combatants” BE IT RESOLVED that this unequivocal condemnation includes all techniques considered torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other
Related Questions
- Does APA policy apply to psychologists who observe other people engaged in torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment? What responsibility do psychologists have?
- Does APA policy allow psychologists in the military, CIA or those employed as consultants to participate in torture if they are ordered to do so?
- Did the policy statement adopted by APA in 2007 include a "loophole" that allows torture in some instances?
