The American Psychological Association's governing Council of Representatives approved several measures at its meeting on August 6-7, addressing issues such as the role of psychology in artificial intelligence, global human rights for women and girls, a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, and advocacy for restitution for politically inflicted trauma.

By a vote of 156-2, with one abstention, the Council approved a policy to recognize the critical role of psychological science and knowledge in guiding AI applications. The policy highlights the impact of AI on psychological research and practice. "APA affirms the vital role of the discipline of psychology in addressing societal challenges," the policy states. It emphasizes APA's commitment to mitigating harmful impacts of AI while ensuring societal benefits from these technologies.

The resolution identifies three domains where APA and psychology play roles: shaping AI’s societal impact, promoting health and well-being through AI, and upholding ethics and privacy related to AI.

Regarding global rights for women and girls, the Council approved a resolution by a vote of 157-4, with three abstentions. The measure calls for educational initiatives to enhance awareness about girls’ and women’s rights. It commits APA to expanding formal education on these issues and promoting relevant research. The resolution notes that girls and women are often denied numerous human and legal rights including sexual, reproductive, educational, work-related rights, as well as self-expression and self-determination.

The Council also passed a measure calling for "an immediate, permanent, and comprehensive ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict" by a vote of 106-52, with eight abstentions. The resolution urges all actors to prioritize civilian protection, adhere to international humanitarian law, and engage in meaningful dialogue towards sustainable resolutions. It also calls for increased access to culturally responsive psychological resources for those affected by armed conflict.

In another action, the Council passed a resolution committing APA to advocate for restitution and reparations for survivors of individual and collective trauma. This measure passed by a vote of 113-52 with four abstentions. It defines types of trauma covered including gender-based violence; human trafficking; U.S. internment camps; enslavement; oppression of Native Hawaiians, Alaska Natives, American Indians; among others.

The resolution calls on APA to convene a task force to examine benefits of collective reparations based on psychological science. "Given the scope of our role we assert that the appropriate type of restitution or reparations would be best collectively determined by victims," it states.

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