Our History

Society for Health Psychology
SfHP Council Focus

Our History

health psychology communications

Since its inception, the discipline of psychology has been concerned with aspects of health.

1969

Early Origins

William Schofield of the University of Minnesota publishes a landmark paper in American Psychologist on “The role of psychology in the delivery of health services”.

1973

Task Force on Health Research

Upon recommendation by the APA Committee on Newly Emerging Areas of Research (NEAR), the APA Board of Scientific Affairs established a Task Force on Health Research.

1975

Formation of Division 18 Section 2

A group of psychologists interested in health psychology formed the Section on Health Research within APA Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service).

1978

SfHP Founded

Over 600 members and fellows of APA sign a petition to APA Council to establish a new division of Health Psychology. The council agrees to the formation of the Society for Health Psychology (Division 38). The bylaws are adopted by 175 charter members.