Psychologists slam use of psych reports in campaign

MANILA, Philippines - A group of psychologists protested the “misuse” of their profession in the political campaign by some candidates in the May 10 elections.

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), in a statement, said the presentation of fraudulent psychological reports to the public has dangerous and long-term effects on the efforts of Filipino psychologists to promote the mental wellness of the people.

The PAP also denounced the release of results of the alleged psychological tests on Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

“Any reputable individual psychologist or psychological organization ensures the practice of confidentiality and that the results of psychological tests or assessment are only shared with the client,” it said.

“Psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure that information to be disclosed will not be misused, misunderstood or misinterpreted to infringe on human rights, whether intentionally or unintentionally,” it added.

The PAP said any political candidate must not be forced to take a psychological test of assessment because informed consent is required from the client before a test can be done.

The PAP also condemned the insinuation that depression is a permanent disability, and the use of words like “abnoy,” “sira ang ulo” and “may diperensiya sa utak” to label individuals.

“These irresponsible statements and similar acts perpetuate a profound lack of understanding of psychological concepts of the nature of psychological problems and dysfunctions, and of the nature of psychological health and well-being,” the PAP said.

It said seeing a psychologist or any mental health professional does not make a person “abnormal.”