SPSMM (Division 51 of APA)
and the Divisional Journal:
Psychology of Men and Masculinities

About Division 51

The Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, Division 51 of the American Psychological Association, advances knowledge in the psychology of men through research, education, training, public policy, and improved clinical practice. 

Purpose of Division 51

Division 51 believes aspects of traditional gender roles are restrictive in nature and often lead to negative consequences and unhealthy interactions for many individuals and society. SPSMM endeavors to point out constrictive conceptions of masculinity that have inhibited men's development, reduced men's capacity to form meaningful relationships, and contributed to the oppression of others. SPSMM supports the empowerment of all persons and believes this empowerment leads to the highest level of functioning in individual men and women. 

Journal Description

Psychology of Men & Masculinity® is devoted to the dissemination of research, theory, and clinical scholarship that advances the psychology of men and masculinity. This discipline is defined broadly as the study of how boys' and men's psychology is influenced and shaped by both sex and gender, and encompasses both the study of biological sex differences and similarities as well as of the social construction of gender.

We are interested in work that arises from applied fields, such as clinical, counseling, and school psychology, and foundational areas such as social, developmental, and cognitive psychology, and the study of emotions. We welcome research using diverse methodologies, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Scholarship advancing our understanding of men's psychology across the life span, across racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity groups, across national boundaries, and across historical time is welcome.

Examples of relevant topics include, but are not limited to

•    the processes and consequences of male gender role socialization, including its impact on men's health, behavior, interpersonal relationships, emotional development, violence, and psychological well-being;

• assessment and measurement of the masculine gender role;

• gender role stain, stress, and conflict;

• masculinity ideology;

• fathering;

• men's utilization of psychological services;

• conceptualization and assessment of interventions addressing men's understanding of masculinity;

• sexuality and sexual orientation;

• biological aspects of male development;

• the victimization of male children and adults; and

• boys' and men's relationships with girls and women and with each other