In the evolving landscape of personality psychology, the European Association of Personality Psychology (EAPP) is making bold strides to amplify diverse voices. With a fresh call for Regional Promoters and editorial contributions, particularly from African scholars, the association aims to infuse global perspectives into the field. South African researchers, including those from Cape Town’s vibrant academic hubs, are uniquely positioned to lead this charge, bringing Africa’s rich cultural insights to boost diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in personality science. This initiative addresses historical underrepresentation and highlights Africa’s potential as a powerhouse in psychological research.
Global Diversity in Personality Psychology
The EAPP, a leading organization dedicated to advancing empirical and theoretical personality psychology, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity. Through its Regional Promoters program, the association actively seeks to enhance the diversity of ideas and people in the discipline. Regional Promoters serve as ambassadors, promoting personality science in their regions, recruiting new members, and advancing EAPP’s activities like conferences, summer schools, and journals. They play a pivotal role in DEI by reaching out to underrepresented groups, including ethnocultural minorities, women, sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, and junior researchers.
Current African Regional Promoters exemplify this commitment. Dr. Sebastiaan (Ian) Rothmann from North-West University in South Africa focuses on multicultural contexts and well-being, while Stephen Asatsa from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya explores personality development and cultural practices in mental health. These roles underscore Africa’s growing influence, with research on flourishing in diverse settings and traditional rituals’ impact on psychological well-being. The EAPP journal, Personality Science, further supports this by prioritizing geographical diversity, non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) samples, and a globally representative editorial team.
Amid ongoing efforts to expand representation, EAPP has opened applications for new Regional Promoters and editorial positions, emphasizing scholars from the Global South. This call targets African applicants for editorial roles, aiming to integrate Africa’s unique research edge—such as resilience in adversity, communal personalities, and cross-cultural traits—into mainstream discourse. By doing so, EAPP counters historical Eurocentrism and fosters cross-fertilization of ideas.
Opportunities for African Scholars in Editorial Roles
The call aligns with EAPP’s two-year term structure for Regional Promoters, renewable once, ensuring fresh perspectives cycle through the organization. Editorial roles involve reviewing manuscripts, shaping special issues on diverse topics, and promoting inclusive publishing practices. For South African scholars, this represents a chance to influence global standards in personality assessment, where African contexts can challenge and enrich existing models.
Research from the continent demonstrates this edge. Studies on Ubuntu philosophy’s role in personality traits offer alternatives to individualistic Western frameworks, potentially revolutionizing DEI in psychology. EAPP’s DEI goals include increasing submissions from Africa, which currently lag behind other regions, and building networks for collaborative research. Successful applicants will report annually to the Executive Committee, contributing to outreach that recruits diverse members and highlights underrepresented voices.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as global psychology grapples with biases in sampling and theory. By inviting African scholars to editorial boards, EAPP ensures that personality science reflects humanity’s full spectrum, from urban dynamics to multicultural intersections across Africa.
Tips for Cape Town Academics: Navigating Applications
Cape Town, home to institutions like the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University, boasts a thriving community of personality psychologists. Preparation is key: start by reviewing EAPP’s website for the latest application guidelines, typically requiring a CV, statement of interest, and evidence of regional outreach experience.
Highlight your unique contributions: emphasize research on African-specific traits, such as collectivism in personality development or resilience amid socio-economic challenges. Demonstrate DEI commitment through past inclusivity efforts, like mentoring underrepresented students or collaborating on cross-cultural studies. Network with current promoters like Dr. Rothmann for insights—his work on positive organizations in multicultural settings could inspire tailored proposals.
Applications often involve outlining promotion strategies, such as hosting webinars for African researchers or partnering with local societies. Aim for clarity and impact in your submission, using metrics like publication records in journals such as Personality and Individual Differences. Deadlines vary, so check EAPP for exact dates—submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions typically by mid-year.
Build a strong case by aligning with EAPP’s values: show how your involvement will recruit members from Cape Town’s diverse academic scene, including emerging scholars from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. Practice inclusivity in your narrative, avoid jargon to maintain accessibility, and seek endorsements from peers to bolster your profile, positioning yourself as a bridge between African innovation and global personality science.
Enhancing Global Collaboration
Global psychology journals increasingly recognize diversity’s role in robust science, mandating inclusive editorial boards and equitable practices. Studies show diverse teams produce more novel, high-impact research. Yet challenges persist, as editorial boards often lack geographic and cultural balance, limiting the advancement of scholars from underrepresented regions.
Collaborations across continents are growing, fostering joint research in personality science and cultural psychology. These partnerships reveal how cultural attitudes influence traits and well-being, promoting equitable knowledge production and cross-cultural validation of models like the Big Five. African scholars in EAPP roles can leverage these collaborations, strengthening the Global South’s voice in personality science.
Conclusion: Africa’s Rising Role
As EAPP opens its doors wider, South African scholars stand at the forefront of a DEI transformation in personality psychology. By embracing these opportunities, they can harness Africa’s research edge—rooted in cultural depth and resilience—to reshape the field. This global convergence promises a more equitable science, where diverse perspectives drive innovation and understanding.
Excerpt: South African scholars have a unique opportunity to influence global personality science through EAPP initiatives. By embracing editorial roles and promoting DEI, they can leverage Africa’s cultural insights, reshape psychological research, and foster global collaborations for a more inclusive science.