The Rise of Special Interest Groups and Their Role in Division 54,the Society of Pediatric Psychology

The Society of Pediatric Psychology (SPP) is a growing, vibrant organization that works to meet the needs of pediatric psychologists around the country and the world. Because the field of pediatric psychology encompasses diverse patient populations, there have always been scholarly and clinical groups that form within the SPP around more specific areas. The current article describes the years leading up to and including the formation of special interest groups (SIGs) within the SPP. Current procedures, ongoing work, and future challenges to the health and productivity of SIGs, as well as discussion on how SIGs are beneficial to students and to early career psychologists, are covered.