Division 51: Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities

The Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities (SPSMM) first became a division of the American Psychological Association in 1995 in recognition of several growing areas of feminist and social learning-inspired scholarship in the field. Since then, it has grown and evolved into a diverse group of clinical, counseling, social, and developmental psychologists, graduate students, and professionals in related fields. SPSMM is dedicated to practice and research addressing the unique issues surrounding masculinities and all individuals identifying as men or boys. SPSMM partners regularly with members and leaders from a variety of division such as [Division 35](https://www.apadivisions.org/division-35/index) (Society for the Psychology of Women) [Division 17](https://www.div17.org/) (Society for Counseling Psychology), [Division 44](https://www.apadivisions.org/division-44/index) (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity), and [Division 45](http://division45.org/) (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race). You can learn more about our mission, the history of the division, and our awards by clicking the icons below. Be sure to also check out our resources tab for a variety of helpful documents and fact sheets on specific populations of men and boys. As our mission statement below describes, SPSMM is dedicated to practice and research addressing the unique issues surrounding masculinities and all individuals identifying as men or boys. Mission Statement (Adopted April, 2022) The Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities (SPSMM, Division 51 of the American Psychological Association) promotes evidence-based psychological practice and the empirical study of how gender roles relate to the physical and emotional health of men and boys. Members of the Division include psychologists, professionals in related fields, and graduate students who conduct research, training, consultation, education, advocacy, and clinical practice to enhance the opportunities for men and boys to experience their full human potential and to lead healthier lives. Our work is done through a multicultural lens that emphasizes social justice for all with a recognition of the need to study, to challenge, and to improve societal systems. In order to meet our mission, Division 51 sponsors a professional journal, The Psychology of Men Masculinities, special interest groups, task forces, conferences, retreats, a mentoring program, continuing education, leadership development, and a variety of opportunities to participate in its governance along with social events.