Introduction
This is a proposal for interested methods psychologists to conduct a survey on mental health in different parts of the world. A worldwide study will provide empirical data for the enhancement of mental health science and for research-based decision-making of international bodies, such as, the WHO, UN, etc., as well as individual government entities. The study could also lead to a broader understanding of the impacts of modern-day political, economic, social, and environmental challenges on humanity’s mental health.
As psychologists, we may enjoy the privilege of being considered stewards of the potentials of the human mind. While the individual is the greatest unit of change, it is also important for organizations, especially psychologists to band together and act to create psychological models based on empirical data that could lead us toward the world we want.
A possible result of the survey is a series of articles analyzing the data and showcasing the variety of tools and methodologies that psychologists have in their repertoire, thus highlighting psychological science as a model for other disciplines.
Invitation
All Division 5 members as well as those from other divisions are welcome to join.
Procedure
- “Brainstorming” on the survey questions—Participants are invited to suggest the survey questions to be part of the study. Suggested questions are entered in this Google documentopens in new window until January 10, 2025.
- Endorsement of the survey questions—Starting January 11, 2025, the participants are asked to endorse 10 questions in the same link above until January 20, 2025.
- Finalization of the composition of the survey—The 10 questions with the highest number of endorsements will form part of the survey, to be announced on January 25, 2025.
- Data gathering starts on January 26, 2025, finishing with the first batch of data on March 28, 2025. Participating psychologists may choose their own population/s, specifying age, gender, and any variable they deem important.
- Data entry—Participating psychologists enter their data from January 26-March 28, 2025, occupying a column or more each in this Google documentopens in new window, dividing their column/s into their different samples.
- Data analysis and write-up—after March 28, 2025, the participants can analyze and write up their own data or compare their data with those of others', with permission and attribution. Only those who supplied data can do a write-up. Data gathering and inputting can continue with new data and new populations. The working Google document could have a life of its own and may not need an administrator.