Brigham Young University psychology professor Allen Bergin has been awarded the 1989 American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Knowledge.
The award recognizes individuals for discovery and development of information that expands the knowledge base of applied psychology, BYU officials said. The new information must permit innovative applications in a wide variety of situations.In presenting the award, the APA said Bergin has challenged traditional psychological approaches by emphasizing the importance of values and religion in therapy and mental health.
"Allen Bergin has had a distinctive impact on a generation of practitioners, critics and consumers of psychotherapy," said Norma Simon, of APA's Board of Professional Affairs.