American Psychological Association

American Psychological Association. Founded in July 1892, it is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., it works to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve lives. The association comprises nearly 146,000 members, including researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students.

History

The organization was established in 1892 at Clark University, with G. Stanley Hall serving as its first president, following an initiative by a group of 26 men. Early meetings were often held in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and its initial focus was on promoting psychological research and establishing the discipline as a legitimate science. Key early figures included William James, who served as president in 1894 and 1904, and James McKeen Cattell, who played a significant role in its development. Throughout the 20th century, it grew substantially, navigating major events like World War I and World War II, during which it contributed to personnel selection and veteran rehabilitation efforts. The post-war era saw a boom in membership and the expansion of its role in clinical practice, leading to the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Landmark moments include its role in the 1954 case Brown v. Board of Education and the ongoing evolution of its ethical codes.

Organization and governance

The association is governed by a Board of Directors and an elected President, such as the current president, Cynthia de las Fuentes. The broader legislative authority resides with the Council of Representatives, a body of elected members from its divisions and state, provincial, and territorial associations. Key operational arms include the APA Publications and Communications Board, which oversees scholarly output, and the APA Ethics Committee, which manages the enforcement of its ethical principles. The central office is located in Washington, D.C., with additional offices supporting its mission across the United States.

Publications and databases

It is a premier publisher in the field, producing numerous scholarly journals, books, and reference works. Its flagship publication is the American Psychologist, and it publishes many high-impact journals such as Psychological Review, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and Health Psychology. A cornerstone of its publishing effort is the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, widely known as "APA Style," which sets editorial standards for scientific writing. It also maintains the comprehensive electronic database PsycINFO, an essential resource for literature searches in behavioral and social sciences.

Advocacy and public policy

The organization maintains a robust advocacy program through its APA Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., working to inform public policy on issues related to mental health, behavioral research, and social justice. It regularly provides testimony to bodies like the United States Congress and federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key advocacy areas include promoting federal funding for psychological research, supporting the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and addressing issues like health disparities, LGBT rights, and the psychological impacts of climate change.

Ethical guidelines and standards

It establishes and enforces ethical principles for psychological practice and research, most notably through the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. These guidelines address issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, competence, and multiple relationships. The APA Ethics Committee adjudicates complaints of ethical violations by members. The association has also developed specific standards for various areas, including educational and psychological testing, the treatment of LGBT clients, and the conduct of research with human participants and animals.

Divisions and special interest groups

The association is organized into 54 distinct divisions and numerous special interest groups, which represent specialized subfields and interests within psychology. Examples include Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology), Division 7 (Developmental Psychology), and Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity). These divisions publish their own journals, such as the Journal of Abnormal Psychology and the Journal of Counseling Psychology, and organize programming at the annual APA Convention. Special interest groups allow members to collaborate on niche topics like psychopharmacology or psychology and law.