Historical Analysis: Editors’ Reflections on 50 Years of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology

Abstract

Abstract Objective This article provides an historical perspective on the Journal of Pediatric Psychology (JPP) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Methods Former and current editors of JPP participated in a symposium at the 2019 Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference (SPPAC), each highlighting prominent types of articles published during their terms, the influence of these papers over time, and their reflections on the next 50 years of the journal. Their presentations were summarized and integrated for this article. Additional data on editorial teams, special issues, and publication metrics over time are included. Results The data demonstrate changes over time in the growth, scope, and impact of JPP. The article also shows the consistency in areas of emphasis over time. Anticipated topics for the future were quite consistent across editors and included increased use of technology, broader attention to teams and approaches, and methodological advances as the field will continue to grow. Conclusions This article provides an unusual collaboration among editors of JPP, providing an historical perspective on the journal’s growth over time and anticipation of continued impact into the future.