What is the main focus of the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles?

The main focus of the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles is to guide psychologists in professional conduct and promote respect for individuals. These principles establish a framework that ensures psychologists act with integrity and uphold the dignity of those they serve.

The key elements of these ethical guidelines include the importance of beneficence and non-maleficence, which mean that psychologists should strive to do good and avoid harm. Additionally, the principles emphasize the necessity of maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and treating individuals fairly and with respect, which aligns with the mission of promoting welfare and dignity in all professional endeavors.

In contrast, developing new psychological theories, ensuring profitability in practices, or specifically targeting biases in testing do not encapsulate the overarching purpose of the APA's Ethical Principles. While these are important aspects of psychology, they do not directly reflect the primary emphasis on ethical conduct and respect for individuals that the APA champions.