American Psychological Association: Shaping the Future of Global Psychology
The American Psychological Association (APA) stands as the premier professional organization for psychologists in the United States and holds the distinction of being the largest psychological association in the world. Since its formation in July 1892, the APA has grown into a massive global entity, fostering scientific advancement, clinical excellence, and educational development across the field of psychology.
With a membership exceeding 190,000 individuals, the APA represents a diverse spectrum of professionals, including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. The organization operates with an annual budget of nearly $134 million, supporting a vast infrastructure of research, publication, and professional advocacy.
Key Facts
- Founded: July 1892
- Membership: Over 190,000 professionals and students
- Global Standing: Largest psychological association in the world
- Structure: 54 active specialized divisions
- Annual Budget: Approximately $134 million
Organizational Structure and Governance
The APA is governed by its Council of Representatives, which serves as its main organ. The organization is currently led by President Wendi Williams. To address the diverse needs of the field, the APA is organized into 54 active divisions. These divisions function as specialized interest groups, allowing members to focus on specific subspecialties or topical areas of psychology.
Specialized Divisions
The divisions cover an extensive range of psychological disciplines. Some notable examples include:
- Society for Clinical Psychology: Established in 1945.
- Society for Personality and Social Psychology: Focusing on individual and group dynamics.
- Developmental Psychology: Studying growth across the lifespan.
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology: Exploring the biological foundations of behavior.
- Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Applying psychology to the workplace.
Scientific Contributions and Resources
A cornerstone of the APA's influence is its commitment to disseminating high-quality research through various publications and databases. The association publishes numerous peer-reviewed journals, such as Psychological Review, Developmental Psychology, and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
One of the most vital resources provided by the APA is PsycINFO. This is a comprehensive bibliographic database that contains citations and summaries of psychological literature dating back to the 19th century. As of 2010, PsycINFO included information from 2,457 different journals, covering everything from journal articles and book chapters to technical reports and dissertations.
Summary of APA Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation Date | July 1892 |
| Total Members | 190,000+ |
| Active Divisions | 54 |
| Primary Database | PsycINFO |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
Ethics and Professional Standards
The APA plays a critical role in defining the ethical boundaries of the profession. This includes managing conflicts between ethics and law or organizational demands. The association has also been at the center of significant discussions regarding the role of psychologists in national security settings.
Following the release of the Hoffman report, the APA Council of Representatives passed Resolution 23B in 2015. This resolution implemented a ban on psychologists participating in unlawful interrogations, aligning the APA's policy with the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations Convention against Torture. This move ensured that members are prohibited from participating in settings that operate outside of international law.
Awards and Recognition
To honor excellence in the field, the APA presents several prestigious awards. These recognize contributions ranging from scientific research to public interest and international advancement. The highest honor bestowed by the organization is the APA Award for Lifetime Contributions to Psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of APA divisions?
Divisions act as specialized interest groups within the APA, allowing members to connect and focus on specific subspecialties, such as clinical psychology, school psychology, or media psychology.
What is PsycINFO?
PsycINFO is a major bibliographic database managed by the APA that provides citations and summaries for a vast array of psychological literature, including books, journal articles, and dissertations.
How large is the American Psychological Association?
The APA is the largest psychological association in the world, boasting a membership of over 190,000 scientists, clinicians, educators, and students.
What is the APA's stance on military interrogations?
Through Resolution 23B, the APA prohibits its members from participating in interrogations that are deemed illegal by the Geneva Conventions or the United Nations Convention against Torture.
Does the APA provide professional awards?
Yes, the APA offers numerous awards to recognize distinguished contributions to scientific research, applied research, education, training, and the international advancement of psychology.