John M. Ruiz, PhD, professor at the University of Arizona, has been named the next editor-in-chief of American Psychologist, the flagship journal of APA.
First published in 1946, American Psychologist publishes articles covering topics across the field of psychology, ranging from science and practice to education and public policy.
“I am deeply honored by this opportunity and look forward to stewarding the journal on behalf of the field,” Ruiz stated. “American Psychologist is amongst the most widely distributed psychology journals in the world and should be the goal for publishing groundbreaking conceptual work, high-tier data syntheses, methodological advances, discussions of contemporary challenges in the field, and career-defining milestones.”
Ruiz earned a PhD in clinical health psychology from the University of Utah and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cardiovascular behavioral medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. He identifies as a first-generation Latino scholar. His NIH-funded program of research focuses on psychosocial and sociocultural influences on health. He serves in multiple local, national, and international positions including as a founding member and president of the Behavioral Medicine Research Council and federal appointment to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ruiz formerly served as editor-in-chief of Health Psychology, the journal of the APA’s Division 38 (Society for Health Psychology), a position he concludes this year as he takes on the editorship of American Psychologist.
“American Psychologist highlights the breadth, rigor, and relevance of psychological science to everyday lives,” said Rose Sokol, PhD, APA’s deputy chief publishing officer. “As its next editor-in-chief, Dr. Ruiz brings a combination of scientific excellence, editorial leadership, and an understanding of psychology's role in addressing real-world challenges that is critical for APA’s flagship journal."
Ruiz, who brings editorial expertise and health psychology perspectives to the role, will serve as incoming editor-in-chief starting January 1, 2027, when he assumes responsibility for new submissions. He succeeds Harris Cooper, PhD, who completes his six-year term in 2027 after leading the journal to increased standing and impact. Cooper will complete work on outstanding articles and special issues during 2027, and Ruiz will assume the role of editor-in-chief on January 1, 2028.
