By the College of Psychology Professionals of Costa Rica
In light of the escalating wave of violence that the Costa Rican population has been enduring in its various forms, and in response to the concerns of many of our members regarding this matter, and in keeping with the responsibility and ethical commitment of our College, the Board of Directors of the CPPCR makes public the following considerations and proposals.
Based on the fact that:
1. All indicators of violence have shown an upward trend in recent years, with a level of generalization that encompasses virtually all forms of its manifestation.
2. Social violence is a primary factor that deteriorates people’s mental health and overall well-being.
3. Social violence manifests itself in diverse ways, involving different actors and scenarios. Nevertheless, this violence must be addressed holistically, considering its consequences and its multiple origins.
4. Due to the diverse and complex manifestations of violence, it is counterproductive and dangerous to reduce these significant phenomena to a “psychological” view of reality. While some situations can and should be explained and addressed with specific individuals, considering their own experiences and internal world, this cannot be divorced from the socio-historical context that gives it meaning. The explanation and approach to violence includes a subjective dimension, but it does not end there; it must encompass the objective conditions that determine and explain it. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a broader social perspective, involving other disciplines and knowledge.
5. The widespread prevalence of this violence necessitates consideration of the deterioration in the quality of life for the majority of the population. Since the 1990s, all indicators point to an alarming increase in the social gap and a systematic decline in the quality of life for the majority of the population. We have transitioned from being a nation with a sizable middle class and low levels of insecurity to currently holding one of the worst positions in Latin America and among OECD countries. Factors closely associated with this growing deterioration are the systematic cuts to social programs and the concentration of policies aimed at benefiting small sectors guided by political patronage, alongside the proliferation of corruption.
6. It is evident that the system has failed large segments of the population, leading to mounting fatigue among people, resulting in resentment, anger, hopelessness, and escalation when their basic needs are unmet and they feel betrayed by the country’s political class. These sentiments serve as a fertile ground for the development of a culture of violence.
7. Simultaneously, disappointment, disillusionment, and anger are fostering authoritarian political alternatives, accompanied by the expanding and alarming role of drug trafficking in our countries, where they establish their operations and recruit individuals, particularly young people. These circumstances have accelerated the process of normalizing violence and contribute to its legitimization as an acceptable form of social interaction.
8. Within this dynamic of increasing violence, evidence suggests the redirection of negative emotions toward certain groups, who bear the brunt of emotional burdens and exclusionary processes. These are primarily directed against children and adolescents, people with disabilities, migrants, women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and older adults, among others. In this regard, it is shocking and concerning the levels of aggression manifested. Actions targeted at specific individuals must be understood within this broader sociocultural context.
9. All of the above is reinforced by the current dynamics of social networks, where it is easy to accuse, judge, and punish anyone, with consequences as severe as, for instance, adolescent suicide. Similarly, we must acknowledge the increasingly sophisticated marketing apparatus designed to generate and reinforce compulsive consumption patterns, through the systematic reinforcement of habits, attitudes, and behaviors that are contrary to a culture of peace.
Given the above:
1. This Board of Directors undertakes to urgently facilitate broad participation by all its colleagues in reflection sessions that will enable, through open dialogue, a thorough analysis of this entire situation and the creation of the best alternatives for addressing it. It also commits to incorporating and managing the recommendations that emerge from this analytical process.
2. This Board of Directors makes a general appeal to its members to prioritize, in their professional activities, reflection and the implementation of feasible measures to foster more empathetic and supportive human relations. This is an ethical imperative and a responsibility intrinsic to our work.
3. We are issuing a high alert regarding gender violence, given the characteristics and dynamics of its cruelty. The measures to be taken will need to encompass short-term, medium-term, and long-term initiatives, expanding or rectifying existing efforts.
4. We urge the press and the public who access different platforms to exercise utmost caution when publishing and exposing scenes of assault, mutilation, and murder. Exposure to such materials can exacerbate the modeling of certain behaviors and increase feelings of insecurity. Similarly, we urge members of the profession who are interviewed in the media not to perpetuate short-sighted, simplistic, or overly individualistic perspectives on this painful and complex phenomenon.
5. We urge the entire population to strive to cultivate a culture of peace and the peaceful, dialogue-based resolution of conflicts. The College possesses the Comprehensive Conflict Resolution Center (CIREC), which, led by professionals with training and extensive experience, can contribute to this goal.
6. In our view, there must be greater investment in the areas of education, health, security, and research organizations. We therefore issue a respectful but forceful call to the government to revise its social policies. We also issue a clear warning about the short-term, medium-term, and long-term consequences of failing to rectify its current course. If the current trajectory is not altered, we predict a worsening of the situation with unforeseen dimensions and consequences.
AD-Hoc Commission for Addressing Social Violence in Costa Rica of the CPPCR.
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The College of Psychology Professionals of Costa Rica Addresses the Growing Wave of Social Violence
The College of Psychology Professionals of Costa Rica (CPPCR) has issued a statement condemning the rising tide of violence in Costa Rica and highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to address this multifaceted issue. The statement, released by the CPPCR Board of Directors, outlines the profound impact of violence on mental health and well-being, analyzes the underlying causes of the phenomenon, and proposes a series of recommendations for action.
A Growing Crisis: A Multifaceted Challenge
The CPPCR emphasizes that violence in Costa Rica is not a singular phenomenon but a complex and interwoven problem with deep roots in social, economic, and political structures. The statement draws attention to several key points:
- Escalating Violence: All indicators point to a sharp increase in violence in recent years, manifesting in various forms, from domestic violence to organized crime and social unrest.
- Devastating Impact on Mental Health: Social violence is a primary driver of mental health deterioration and a significant contributor to overall societal well-being.
- Beyond Individual Psychology: The CPPCR cautions against reducing violence solely to individual psychological issues. While individual factors are important, violence must be understood within a broader socio-historical context. The statement argues that addressing the objective conditions that fuel violence is crucial.
- Deterioration of Quality of Life: The CPPCR notes a significant decline in quality of life for a large portion of the population, citing systemic inequalities, social program cuts, and rising corruption as key factors.
- Erosion of Trust and Resentment: The CPPCR points to widespread disillusionment and anger among the population, fueled by a perceived failure of the system to meet basic needs and a lack of accountability from the political class. The statement describes these sentiments as fertile ground for the spread of violence.
- Rise of Authoritarianism and Drug Trafficking: The CPPCR observes a growing influence of authoritarian political alternatives and the entrenchment of drug trafficking networks, both of which contribute to the normalization and legitimation of violence.
- Targeting of Vulnerable Groups: The statement highlights the disproportionate impact of violence on vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, people with disabilities, migrants, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and older adults. This targeting of vulnerable individuals must be understood within a wider sociocultural context.
- Amplifying Violence in the Digital Age: The CPPCR emphasizes the role of social media in amplifying negative emotions, fostering online harassment, and contributing to a culture of aggression and violence, with potentially devastating consequences, such as increased suicide rates among adolescents.
Recommendations for Action: A Multifaceted Approach
The CPPCR calls for a comprehensive and multifaceted response to address the escalating violence:
- Collaborative Reflection and Dialogue: The CPPCR calls for increased dialogue and reflection among psychology professionals, encouraging a collaborative analysis of the complex factors behind violence and the development of solutions.
- Promote Empathy and Supportive Relationships: The CPPCR urges its members to prioritize the promotion of empathy and supportive relationships in their professional practice, recognizing this as a crucial step toward addressing the root causes of violence.
- Urgent Action Against Gender Violence: The CPPCR expresses deep concern about the severity and pervasiveness of gender violence and calls for immediate, multi-pronged strategies to address this crisis. These strategies should include short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans.
- Responsible Media Coverage: The CPPCR urges the media to exercise caution when portraying violent incidents, emphasizing the potentially harmful effects of graphic images on viewers and the need to avoid simplistic and individualistic explanations of violence.
- Promote a Culture of Peace: The CPPCR advocates for a collective effort to foster a culture of peace, emphasizing the importance of conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation. The CPPCR offers its Comprehensive Conflict Resolution Center (CIREC) as a resource for the community.
- Invest in Social Programs: The CPPCR calls for increased government investment in areas like education, health, security, and research. The statement warns of the potential consequences of continuing current social policies, which it believes are exacerbating the problem of violence.
This statement by the CPPCR serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing the increasing wave of violence in Costa Rica. The statement’s call for a comprehensive and collaborative approach, encompassing individual, social, economic, and political spheres, is a vital step towards building a more just and peaceful society.
The original article can be read here