Our Story

Founded in 1936, SPSSI is a group of over 3000 scientists from psychology and related fields and others who share a common interest in research on the psychological aspects of important social and policy issues. In various ways, SPSSI seeks to bring theory and practice into focus on human problems of the group, the community, and nations, as well as the increasingly important problems that have no national boundaries.

SPSSI affords social and behavioral scientists opportunities to apply their knowledge and insights to the critical problems of today's world.

• SPSSI fosters and funds research on social issues through annual awards and programs of small research grants and disseminates research findings through its scholarly journals, sponsored books, specialized conferences, and its convention programs.
• With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Society influences public policy through its publications and the advocacy efforts of its members, fellows, and staff.
• SPSSI encourages public education and social activism on social issues and facilitates information exchange through its newsletter and electronic discussion groups.
• The Society's mission is extended to the global arena by a team of representatives who cover developments at UN headquarters in New York and Geneva. SPSSI has been represented at the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) since 1987. SPSSI serves as consultant to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

An independent society, SPSSI is also Division 9 of the American Psychological Association (APA). SPSSI members are not required to be members of APA. We welcome the membership of anyone interested in the Society. 

Continue reading about SPSSI's history here. 
 

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