A Short History of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

Providing Growth and Meaning for Division 36

Piedmont, Ralph L.

¹Loyola University Maryland

Ralph L. Piedmont, Department of Pastoral Counseling, Loyola University Maryland, 8890 McGaw Road, Suite 380, Columbia, MD 21045 [email protected]

Submission October 7, 2012. Revision October 17, 2012. Accepted October 18, 2012.

Psychology of Religion & Spirituality 5(1):p 1-4, February 2013. | DOI: 10.1037/a0030878

This article provides a brief exploration of the changes experienced within Division 36 (Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality) of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the phenomenal growth of its journal, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (PRS). As PRS enters its 5th year of publication, there has been a tremendous amount of growth and exposure, including a field-leading impact factor. As an APA publication, PRS brings increased visibility to the field as well as professional recognition of the scientific value and psychological relevance of spiritual and religious constructs. This article celebrates the achievements of the journal over the past 5 years and acknowledges the vision, hard work, and dedication of all those who labored to create what is rapidly becoming a premier publication in the field.