American psychology is becoming more international, but too slowly: Comment on Thalmayer et al. (2020)

Abstract

Commenting on Thalmayer, Toscanelli, and Arnett (2020), we provide broader analysis of the national institutional affiliations of authors (2,978), editors (286), and consulting editors (2,652) from seven (vs. six) American Psychological Association (APA) journals that span over 40 (vs. 30) years. Using multilevel models, results showed that percentages of lead authors at American institutions decreased linearly and significantly and over time. Predicted mean percentages of American authors were 86% in 1978 versus 54% in 2018, a decrease of 37%. Percentages of editors and consulting editors at American institutions also decreased significantly; however, the effect for consulting editors was also quadratic-the linear decline accelerated over time. Predicted mean percentages of American consulting editors at 10-year intervals (1980-2020) were 94%, 92%, 89%, 80%, and 69%. Our 2020 predicted mean of 69% American consulting editors was notably lower than Thalmayer et al.'s (2020) 2018 mean of 82%. In addition, higher-impact journals had more pronounced quadratic declines in the percentages of American consulting editors over time. American psychology continues to become more international, but not quickly enough. We concur with Thalmayer et al.'s (2020) policy proposals, especially that APA journals and their editors should actively pursue non-American associate and consulting editors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).