Introduction: This special issue of Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology (CPPP) highlights key mentored research of students and trainees in the field of pediatric psychology. In this issue, the valuable work of our students and trainees is discussed under the framework of the Society of Pediatric Psychology (SPP) Strategic Plans four foundational pillars: (a) Membership, (b) Education & Career Development, (c) Science & Practice, and (d) Advocacy.
Methods: For this special issue, we sought articles in which the student/trainee had an identified leadership role and served as first author on the submitted manuscript. Articles could cover quantitative or qualitative research, systematic or topical reviews, continuous improvement projects, case studies, and/or program development efforts. Papers detailing student/trainee involvement in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) and advocacy efforts, as well as data-driven or commentary papers discussing issues in training and mentorship were also encouraged.
Results: This special issue includes 10 articles spanning topics such as (a) addressing and improving pediatric health and mental health conditions; (b) meeting the needs of underserved populations; (c) DEIA initiatives; and (d) training imperatives. The issue opens with an editorial and closes with an ethics article.
Conclusions: This special CPPP issue increased opportunities for burgeoning pediatric psychology scholars, and the articles included clearly align with the foundational pillars in SPP’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan. Further, they paint a clear picture of areas of passion and focus for the pediatric psychology students and trainees, highlighting the work being done and to be done, in the field of pediatric psychology.
AliM.KhanZ. (2023). The role of youth activism in facilitating social change: A catalyst for transformation in the contemporary era. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(4), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.575688089
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American Psychological Association. (2017a). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. 2002, amended effective, June 1, 2010, and January 1, 2017. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
BurtonE. T.FloydA. L.GretkierewiczS.HuitT. Z.LaguerreK.ChenD.KahhanN.DuncanC. L. (2025). Moving from poster to publication: Actionable steps for the field of pediatric psychology. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 120–126.
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CookeF.LupiniF.BryantB. L.SharkeyC. M. (2025). Closing the gap in cultural competency: The bridge between post-baccalaureate research and clinical competency. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2).
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CorryJ. L.MonzonA.PattonS.GurnurkarS.GordonL.VillalbaK.LansingA. H.WassermanR. (2025). Practices and perceptions on screening adolescent alcohol use among pediatric diabetes providers. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 215–222. https://doi.org/10.1177/21694826251321509
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DoverG. M.WrightN. M.WellenB. C.MoyerD. N.RileyA. R. (2025). Suicide and depression screening for gender diverse youth in pediatric primary care. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 199–207.
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EarlJ.MaherT.ElliottT. (2017). Youth, activism, and social movements. Sociology Compass, 11(4), Article e12465. https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.12465
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EvansC. T.AdetayoT.PatelD. H.DimmittR. A.GoweyM. A.WakefieldE. O.GoodinB. R. (2025). Hope and coping in youth with painful disorders of gut-brain interaction. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 127–136. https://doi.org/10.1177/21694826251324197
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FeghaliP.RawalB.MoralesN.TriplettO.IwamotoB.Van DykT. (2025). Anxiety and depression as mediators of the sleep-pain relationship in youth presenting for polysomnography. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 137–149.
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GilbertR.FlemingK.AlsmanK.GranbergR.FulbrightJ.NelsonE.LowryB.BatesC. (2025). Treatment-related and social determinants of transition from pediatric to adult cancer survivorship care. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 180–188. https://doi.org/10.1177/21694826251319301
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GreenbergB. A.DimentsteinK.ValenzuelaJ. M. (2025). Screening for disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 1 diabetes (T1D): A scoping review and U.S. Clinic screening survey. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 158–170. https://doi.org/10.1177/21694826251319326
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LilesS. M.QuachJ. J.AbdullahiA. A.BenhayounA.DobbinsS.OrtonK. E.OlsavskyA. L. (2025). Adopting DEIA initiatives: Impact on training and culture in pediatric academia. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 208–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/21694826251319278
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LupiniF.MooreH.BaschM.VagadoriJ.CookeF.KellyK.StreisandR.ShomakerL.DagnachewM.CooperD.MackeyE. R. (2025). Mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A case series. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 189–198.
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PalermoT. M.JanickeD. M.McQuaidE. L.MullinsL. L.RobinsP. M.WuY. P. (2014). Recommendations for training in pediatric psychology: Defining core competencies across training levels. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 39(9), 965–984. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsu015
WeaverK. E.MillerS. J.HarrisonS. (2025). Perceived adherence-related barriers for youth living with HIV in the southern United States. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 13(2), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.1177/21694826251322194
