Challenges to the Field

1) Peace sounds "soft, weak, naive, idealistic, and even dangerous and unpatriotic"

peace psychologists have contributed greatly to our understanding of terrorism

Peace Psychology

"Peace psychologists are now well positioned to better further develop theory that will enable us to more deeply understand the major threats to human security and to engage in practices that promote human well-being and survival. "
(Christie, Tint, Wagner, & Winter, 2008).

2) Reliance on qualitative methods

diverse epistemologies: Wundt's lab-based experimental approach + field-based cultural science

3) Commonly mistaken for the study/research of nuclear warfare

developed closely to the end of the Cold War

4) Misconception that peace psychology does not/can not contribute to international relations

psychology relies on reductionism as its explanatory method of choice