We surveyed the membership of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (AADPRT) regarding the presence and characteristics of journal clubs in their general and child psychiatry residency training programs. Responses were obtained from 141 general residency programs and 76 child psychiatry programs. Eighty six percent (N=180) offered at least one required and/or voluntary journal club, and many offered multiple journal clubs. Higher effectiveness ratings were associated with journal clubs that had mandatory participation, met frequently, were held in a convenient location, reviewed articles on original research, emphasized and taught research methods, and had regular faculty participation. Higher attendance ratings were associated with daytime meetings, smaller residency programs, required clubs, clubs that met more often and for shorter lengths of time within the hospital, and clubs that show continuity in faculty participation. Descriptions of various formats and inducements reported may be useful to other programs wishing to establish or improve journal clubs.