Swearer receives mid-career award from American Psychological Association

20 Aug 2020    

Susan Swearer, Willa Cather Professor of Educational Psychology in the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, has received the 2020 American Psychological Association Mid-Career Award for Outstanding Contributions to Benefit Children, Youth and Families. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in science, policy and practice that benefit the psychological functioning or well-being of children, youth and families.

“I’m so honored to receive this award from APA,” said Swearer. “I’m grateful for supportive colleagues and graduate students who have also worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children, youth, and families through evidence-based work understanding the psychology underlying bullying and mean behavior.”

Swearer’s research lab, The Empowerment Initiative, presented nine research projects at the 2020 APA virtual conference held Aug. 6-8.

Swearer, a licensed psychologist and nationally recognized anti-bullying expert, has spent more than two decades researching the motivations behind bullying, developing ways to change the behavior and outlining effective strategies for children who are bullied. She has advised the anti-bullying and mental wellness work of Born This Way Foundation since it was launched by Lady Gaga in 2012. Her expertise has also been called upon by the White House and she’s consulted with Facebook on anti-bullying measures.

More recently, Swearer has consulted with @SocialThatSupports, a new social media initiative addressing coronavirus pandemic-related mental health conditions. The initiative combines the enormous reach of prominent social media influencers with psychology experts to connect young people, particularly those from traditionally marginalized communities, with science-based information and services about mental health.

Swearer was honored earlier this month during a virtual social hour hosted by the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Children, Youth and Families. 

The American Psychological Association is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 121,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. Its mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.