The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA is the world 's largest association of psychologists, with more than 134,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members.
Our mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people 's lives.
Our Work
APA seeks to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people 's lives. We do this by:
Encouraging the development and application of psychology in the broadest manner.
Promoting research in psychology, the improvement …show more content…
These groups include APA 's:
Council of Representatives, which has the sole authority to approve policy and appropriate the association 's revenue.
Board of Directors, elected by the membership, and which acts as the administrative agent of the Council of Representatives.
APA president, elected annually by the membership to serve as the face of the association.
Committees, boards and task forces, which focus on particular issues in the field.
APA 's daily operations are overseen by its senior staff at APA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Definition of "Psychology"
Psychology is a diverse discipline, grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Some psychologists do basic research, developing theories and testing them through carefully honed research methods involving observation, experimentation and analysis. Other psychologists apply the discipline’s scientific knowledge to help people, organizations and communities function …show more content…
Psychologists study both normal and abnormal functioning and treat patients with mental and emotional problems. They also study and encourage behaviors that build wellness and emotional resilience. Today, as the link between mind and body is well-recognized, more and more psychologists are teaming with other health-care providers to provide whole-person health care for patients.
APA History
The American Psychological Association was founded in 1892 with 31 members and grew quickly after World War II. Today, APA is the world 's largest association of psychologists, with more than 134,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. APA also has 54 divisions in subfields of psychology.
APA’s Founding
APA was founded in July 1892 by a small group of men interested in what they called “the new psychology.” The group elected 31 individuals, including themselves, to membership, with G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924) as its first president.
APA’s first meeting was held in December 1892 at the University of Pennsylvania. The basic governance of the APA consisted of a council with an executive committee. This structure has continued to the beginning of the twenty-first century: Today, APA has a Council of Representatives with a Board of Directors.
APA’s founding was part of a large number of changes occurring in the United States then,