The American Psychological Association and Value Pluralism

Abstract

The systematic value (i.e., religious) assumptions of many areas of psychology are being increasingly explored. This article focuses on the organizational values reflected by actions of the American Psychological Association (APA). For illustrative purposes, humanism and evangelical Christianity are described and related to several APA activities and publications. APA is found to favor humanistic values and is encouraged to adopt several specific organizational changes. APA can become a stronger organization by encouraging professional self-evaluation and pluralism.