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Contact Division 47

Get to know Division 47

Division 47 is the Society for Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology within the American Psychological Association (APA).

We bring together psychologists, mental performance consultants, educators, researchers, and students who are passionate about the psychology of human performance, physical activity, sport, and movement. We are the mental-health-focused Division for the sport, exercise, and performance psychology (SEPP) community, open to everyone interested in how psychology enhances human performance, from athletes and coaches to performing artists, military personnel, and corporate professionals.

How to join

Membership is open to:

  • APA members at all levels (student, associate, full, international)
  • Non-APA professionals and students through affiliate membership
  • Students from undergraduate through doctoral training

You do not need to be a psychologist to join. Division 47 welcomes members from diverse training backgrounds and career paths.

If you care about performance, health, or movement, you belong here.

  • Add Division 47 during APA membership sign-up or renewal
  • If you’re not an APA member, join as an affiliate through the Division 47 website

Membership offerings 

Members join for connection, collaboration, and growth.

Division 47 offers:

  • A professional home that bridges science and practice in SEPP
  • Networking and mentorship with leaders in the field
  • Professional development, webinars, and CE workshops
  • Opportunities to present your work at the APA Convention awards, grants, and travel support for students and professionals
  • Access to our flagship journal, Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology
  • Listserv updates, social media connections, and division socials at APA

APA & AASP

Division 47 is an official APA division, meaning:
  • We have representation and voting rights in APA governance
  • We advocate for the role of psychology in sport, exercise, and performance
  • We collaborate across APA divisions to advance health and performance

Division 47 and AASP (Association for Applied Sport Psychology) share goals but are unique. We work in collaboration, not competition:

  • Division 47 is part of the APA, which means our voice helps shape national policy, training standards, and the role of psychology in performance
  • AASP is an independent professional association with its own certification 
  • Many professionals are members of both, leveraging the strengths of each

Common misconceptions

“You must be a psychologist.” – False. Anyone interested in SEPP can join.

“It’s only for academics or researchers.” – False. We represent researchers, practitioners, consultants, and students.

“It’s only about athletes.” – False. We focus on performance in all domains, including arts, business, military, healthcare, and more. 

“There’s nothing to do beyond the APA Convention.” – False. We have ongoing webinars, committees, mentorship programs, and social events all year long.

Get involved

There are many ways to connect and contribute:

Division 47 Sections

We currently offer two special sections:

Section I: Running Psychologists connects members who share an interest in running as both a personal pursuit and a professional topic. The section hosts “Ray’s Race” 5k Run and Walk at the annual APA Convention.

Section II: Performance Psychology unites members interested in research, teaching, and practice related to performance across sport, performing arts, business, and military.

Signature offerings 

  • Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology journal
  • APA Convention programming and socials
  • Webinars and continuing education events
  • Student and professional mentorship programs
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • Travel awards and research grants

Areas of focus

  • Athlete well-being and mental health
  • Motivation and exercise adherence
  • Psychological aspects of sport injury and rehab
  • Self-regulation and mental training strategies
  • Performance enhancement across domains (sport, arts, military, business)
  • Mood, stress, and coping in relation to exercise and performance
  • Diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in performance contexts 
Date created: December 2025