Professional association whose members are psychologists worldwide.

The American Psychological Association (APA) was founded in July 1892 by three dozen members. By the 1990s, it was both the world's largest association of psychologists and the major organization representing psychology in the Unites States, including 77,000 members nationally and around the world, 47,000 students, foreign, and high school teacher affiliates, and 48 specialty divisions.

The program of the APA is organized in four domains, each of which contributes to the central goal of seeking ways to increase human Wellness through an understanding of behavior. The Science Directorate promotes the exchange of ideas and research findings through conventions, conferences, publications, and traveling museum exhibits. It also helps psychologists locate and obtain research funding. Its science advocacy program works for the enhancement of federal support for psychology, research, and teaching. The Practice Directorate promotes the practice of psychology and the availability of psychological care through legislative advocacy on such issues as health care reform, regulatory activities such as state licensure, and public service such as the pro bono services provided through the Disaster Response Network. The Public Interest Directorate supports the application of psychology to the advancement of human welfare through program and policy development, conference planning, and support of research, training, and advocacy in areas such as minority affairs, women's issues, and lesbian and gay concerns. The Education Directorate serves to advance psychology in its work with educational institutions, professional agencies, and programs and initiatives in education.

The APA's information dissemination efforts include the publication of books as well as more than 24 scientific and professional journals and newsletters such as APA Monitor and American Psychologist. Since 1970, PsychINFO, a worldwide computer database, has provided references in psychology and related behavioral and social sciences. The week-long APA annual convention is the world's largest meeting of psychologists, featuring more than 3,000 papers, lectures, and symposia and is attended by more than 15,000 psychologists.

See Also

Child Psychologist.

For Further Study

Organizations

American Psychological Association
Address: 750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Telephone: (202) 336-5500