In recent years there has been a rapid emergence of research and theories with broad implications for understanding personality. For example, new findings about the origins of personality traits are emerging from population and molecular genetics research, as well as from studies of the neurophysiology of individual differences. Evolutionary approaches are clarifying the adaptive pressures that have shaped emotions and social behavior. Research on the interface between personality and child and life-span development is helping to create important new models of continuity and change. Social-cognitive approaches to motivation (e.g., plans, projects, scripts) and the development of narrative theories and methods are revolutionizing the study of lives. Moreover, personality research is increasingly influential in many important areas, including the conceptualization and diagnosis of psychopathology, health attitudes and behavior, the study of close relationships, politics and public policy, and performance in the workplace.

Unfortunately, there is not an existing forum for bringing together the wide range of investigators who are responsible for this scientific progress. To establish this integrative forum, and to ensure the future strength of our field, we decided to form a new organization that would bring together everyone who is actively interested in the study of personality.

Members do not have to define themselves as "personality psychologists." In fact, many of those who currently are making important contributions to our field -- indeed, many who participated in our inaugural conference in early 2001 -- were trained in other specialties (e.g., clinical psychology, social psychology, psychiatry, human development, health psychology, I/O psychology, etc.).

What are the benefits of ARP Membership? Members are able to register for the ARP conference at a discounted rate and receive a subscription to the Journal of Research in Personality (currently edited by Lynne Cooper) as part of their dues. The Journal of Research in Personality (JRP) publishes theoretical and empirical work in the traditional areas of personality, including both trait and dynamic process-oriented approaches, as well as work from related areas (e.g., genetics, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology) that is relevant to understanding both normal and pathological aspects of personality. ARP organizes an annual conference that is held prior to the meetings of the Society of Personality and Social Psychology. We hope you will join us in establishing this important new organization that--for the first time--will unite all personality researchers within a single group.

If you are interested in joining ARP, please follow the link to our application form.