American Psychological Association

Note on the Organization

Founded in 1892 and incorporated in 1925, the American Psychological Association (APA), a professional organization for psychologists, numbered slightly over seventy-two members as of 1991. The primary purpose of the organization, according to Article I of the original articles of incorporation, is "to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare." These objectives are accomplished through annual meetings, through publication of journals, pamphlets and books, and through administrative services that strive to improve standards and training for psychologists.

The chief governing body of the APA is the Council of Representatives, whose members include representatives from each of the association's divisions and affiliated state associations. The Board of Directors is the administrative agent of the council and exercises general supervision over the affairs of the association through interaction with the executive officer. The board is composed of six council members elected by the council and six officers of the association (president, past president, president-elect, recording secretary, treasurer, and executive officer). The executive officer does not vote.

The administration of the organization is vested in the executive officer, at various times called the executive secretary, executive officer and chief executive officer, who manages the central office located in Washington, D. C. Adjuncts to the executive are a number of specialized administrative offices that support the administrator according to the interests of the office. For instance, there are offices dealing with educational affairs, scientific affairs, women's issues, and professional affairs.

Associated with the organization are divisions, committees, and affiliated organizations that help define the interests of the association. Presently the APA has forty-two divisions, ranging from "general psychology" and "psychologists in private practice," to "counseling," "teaching of psychology," "personality," and "family." Committees guide projects and handle issues ranging from ethical standards to insurance and financial questions. Some committees are standing bodies; others are continuing or ad hoc. Committees are established by the council of representatives, board, or other committees. Affiliates are organizations that have merged or associated with the APA. One such group represented in the records is the American Association of Applied Psychologists.

Information on the formative period of the organization is contained in an article by Samuel W. Fernberger, published in the Psychological Bulletin in 1932, detailing its history from 1892 to the early 1930s.

From the guide to the American Psychological Association Records, 1917-1986, (bulk 1940-1980), (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)