Two psychology professors at Oklahoma State University have been honored as fellows by the Society of Family Psychology, a division of the American Psychological Association (APA).

This is actually the second such designation for Drs. John Chaney and Larry Mullins, each of whom had previously received the prestigious fellow honor from the Society of Pediatric Psychology, another division of APA.

In order to be designated a fellow, candidates meet several achievement-related criteria, including having a national impact on psychology, sustained contributions to family psychology for more than five years, distinctive contributions to family psychology that are recognized by others as excellent, and contributions that have impact which extends beyond the immediate setting in which the candidate works.

“We are deeply honored and humbled by this award,” said Mullins. “Our research lab in pediatric psychology at OSU has been committed for over three decades to better understanding how families of children with chronic health problems cope and adjust to adversity.”

“It is a privilege to be recognized for my contributions to clinical research on emotional adjustment in youth with chronic medical illnesses and their families,” Chaney said. “It has long been my hope that our research improves the lives of children and families who also cope daily with the challenges of managing long-term physical illnesses.”

Both Chaney and Mullins were formally recognized as fellows during an annual conference of the APA held recently in Washington, D.C.