Behavioral scientists Offer Expertise During COVID-19 Pandemic, Shaping Public Discourse
Philadelphia, PA – As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, members of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) stepped forward as trusted voices, leveraging their expertise to inform public understanding and policy across a range of critical issues. From mental health impacts to racial disparities and drug approval processes, SBM members published numerous op-eds in prominent news outlets, offering evidence-based insights during a time of unprecedented uncertainty.
The surge in anxiety and depression linked to the pandemic prompted several SBM members to address the growing mental health crisis. Dr.Vaile wright and Dr. lynn Bufka authored an op-ed for The Philadelphia Citizen emphasizing the urgent need to expand limited mental health services. Together, Drs. Suzanne Miller and Alan Delamater explored psychological tactics for encouraging broader public health compliance in an op-ed for The New Jersey Star-Ledger,arguing that understanding human behavior is key to overcoming individual risk assessment.
Beyond mental wellbeing, SBM members tackled the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities. Monica Wang,ScD,MS,investigated the drivers behind racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in an op-ed for Medium’s Age of Awareness.Dr. Robert Kaplan, PhD, cautioned against accelerating drug approval processes, warning in The Mercury News that doing so would inevitably increase risks.
Recognizing the importance of holistic health, Drs. Kate Hoerster and Dori Rosenberg promoted the benefits of physical activity as a coping mechanism in The Seattle Times. Dr. Megan Shen, PhD, FSBM, highlighted the critical need to address health inequities in end-of-life care, particularly during the pandemic, in an op-ed for The Harvard Law Bill of Health.These contributions demonstrate SBM members’ commitment to applying behavioral science to real-world challenges and shaping a more informed public conversation.
