It was established in 1973 by Dr. Charles D. Spielberger, with notable previous editors including, Drs.

Julian Rappaport, Edison Trickett (1993-1999), Bill Davidson (1999-2010), Jacob Tebes (2010-2018) and Nicole E. Allen (2018-2024), the first woman to hold the position.

The current editor-in-chief as of 2024 is esteemed scholar Dr. Emilie Smith (Michigan State University).

According to Clarivate's journal impact factor report, AJCP is consistently ranked as a top journal in the categories of Psychology, Multidisciplinary, Public, Environmental & Occupational Health, and Social Work.

The journal is the official publication of the Society for Community Research and Action, Division 27 of the American Psychological Association.