A Research Agenda for the Future: New Challenges for Peace Psychology in Australia

Abstract

This chapter examines future directions for peace psychology in Australia in terms of theory, research and practice. To inform this discussion, we used a modified Delphi process to gather perspectives from Australian peace psychologists. We start by looking backwards, at achievements over the last 30-odd years. This is followed by an exploration of the current status and challenges for Australian peace psychology. A major challenge is that the diversity of peace psychology work, while in many ways a strength, detracts from its recognition as a credible field of research. We discuss how we can best address such challenges, build our work and amplify our impact. In terms of future directions, we suggest that Australian peace psychology should continue to address issues specific to our context, including deeper analysis of the roots and dynamics of conflict, social justice issues for marginalised groups and environmental concerns, and argue for creative initiatives (such as a ‘virtual institute’) to allow peace psychology researchers and practitioners to support each other more effectively over the Australian ‘tyrannies of distance’.