Origin: Formed in July 1892 by 26 early psychologists. In 1982, there were 54,280 members (associates, members, fellows) and in 1992, there were 118,000 members.  See current APA web page for updated list of membership size.

Purpose: to advance psychology as a science and as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare by the encouragement of psychology in all its branches in the broadest and most liberal manner.

Activities: The early APA provided a format for its members to get together to share research ideas. Today APA is a vast organization with many functions:

• a) promote the welfare of practitioners (i.e. lobby for supportive laws; arrange good insurance rates)
• b) encourage ethnic and gender diversity
• c) monitor graduate training of professionals
• d) encourage public interest lobbying
• e) promote and maintain ethical standards
• f) encourage education in psychology at all levels
• g) exchange of ideas at annual meetings
• h) publication of journals

Journals: APA began publishing its own journals in 1922. Early journals were Psychological Review, Psychological Bulletin, and the Journal of Experimental Psychology. Currently APA publishes about thirty journals as well as a monthly newsletter called the Monitor.

Divisions: As the membership grew and reflected diverse interest groups, the organization was restructured (1943) so that those with similar ideas and goals could join interest divisions. Today there are over 50 divisions.

Dissension within APA

1917--formation of American Association of Clinical Psychologists

late 30s --formed the American Association for Applied Psychology --both groups (clinicians dissatisfied with university base and research emphasis of APA) returned to APA after a brief defection late 1970s,

early 1980s --clinicians work to restructure the association from within

1988--formation of American Psychological Society --researchers defect becaue they believe APA no longer represents their interests