Are psychologists forbidden from participating in interrogations involving torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment?
A. Yes they are, in all instances and circumstances. APA policy clearly states that the unequivocal condemnation of torture “includes an absolute prohibition against psychologists’ knowingly planning, designing and assisting in the use of torture and any form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” Furthermore, it says: “there are no exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether induced by a state of war or threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, that may be invoked as a justification for torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including the invocation of laws, regulations or orders.” Q. Part of the problem in protecting detainee welfare is the lack of clarity about what constitutes torture. Does the APA policy define precisely what acts it prohibits when it says psychologists shall not knowingly engage in torture? A. Yes. At the APA’s 2007 convention, the Council of Representatives passed a resolution statin
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