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 at the Department of Psychology and the Assisting Living & Learning (ALL) Institute, Maynooth University, Ireland. Previous appointments include a Lectureship at the School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Ireland. Joanne was previously a primary researcher in the area of disability and rehabilitation for research commissioned by the World Health Organization, and has carried out consultancy for organizations including the HSE (Irish Health Service) and the International Disability Alliance. Her work is interdisciplinary, focusing on the interface between Psychology and Global Health. Supporting psychosocial well-being, social inclusion, human rights, and organisational justice, particularly for marginalised populations, is a core focus of her work. She is a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society and a Chartered Work and Organisational Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland.