Historical review of the regulation of psychology in Puerto Rico: 1954 to 1990

The Puerto Rican Psychology Association (PRPA) has worked ardously for the development and strengthening of psychology in the country since its founda tion in 1954. For nearly 22 years the PRPA concentrated its efforts an the difficult task of ellaborating and promoting the approval of a law to regul ate professional practice, achieve compliance to ethical norms and assure t hat services were provided by qualified professionals. These objectives wer e achieved by the approval of Law 96 of June 1983. However, the regulation of psychology in Puerto Rico is, and has always been, a very conflictive is sue. This conflict is nurtured by inter and intraguild struggles, the influ ence of external professional groups, the country's socioeconomic reality a nd political-legal dynamics. The complex interaction of all these factors t hroughout the years has in one way or the other affected the professional d evelopment of psychology in Puerto Rico. In this historical synopsis of the regulation of psychology in Puerto Rico we present the most relevant event s and examine the influence of United States psychology upon them. Reflecti ng about these important events should contribute to a better understanding of the current and future circumstances associated to the regulations and to the increased commitment of the founders of the FRAP.