APA Ethics Code Over and Standards 1 & 2 Flashcards
Section A: Introduction and Applicability
-The Ethics Code applies to psychologists’ activities in their scientific, educational, or professional roles.
-APA Ethics Committee may take action against members not just for unethical conduct complaints, but also for felony convictions, expulsion/suspension from state associations, or loss of licensure.
-Fisher (2017) highlights that felony conviction need not be related to psychology practice.
Section B: Preamble
The primary goals of the Ethics Code are to ensure the welfare and protection of individuals and groups with whom psychologists work.
Additionally, it aims to educate members, students, and the public about ethical standards in psychology.
Section C: General Principles
The five General Principles serve as aspirational guidelines to inspire psychologists toward the highest ethical ideals.
Unlike the enforceable Ethical Standards, the General Principles should not be the basis for imposing sanctions.
Section D: Ethical Standards
The Ethical Standards are enforceable rules of conduct that are mandatory for psychologists.
They are divided into ten categories, including Resolving Ethical Issues, Competence, Privacy and Confidentiality, and Therapy, among others.
Principle A (Beneficence and Nonmaleficence)
General Principles
Psychologists strive to benefit those they work with while avoiding causing harm.
This principle emphasizes the ethical responsibility to promote well-being and prevent harm in professional practice.
Principle B (Fidelity and Responsibility)
General Principles
Psychologists establish trust with clients and uphold professional and scientific responsibilities to society.
They are encouraged to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no compensation, reflecting a commitment to societal welfare.
General Principles
Principle C
Ethics
(Integrity)
Psychologists promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in all aspects of their work.
This principle underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology.
General Principles
Principle D
Ethics
(Justice)
Psychologists recognize the importance of fairness and justice, ensuring equal access and quality of services for all individuals.
They advocate for equitable treatment and access to psychological services and resources.
Principle E (Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity)
General Principles
Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all individuals and uphold their rights to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.
This principle highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity, including cultural, individual, and role differences, in professional practice.
Section C: General Principles
Name 5 Principles
Principle A (Beneficence and Nonmaleficence): Strive to benefit and do no harm.
Principle B (Fidelity and Responsibility): Establish trust, be aware of professional responsibilities, contribute time without compensation.
Principle C (Integrity): Promote accuracy, honesty, truthfulness.
Principle D (Justice): Fairness and justice for all.
Principle E (Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity): Respect dignity, rights, and differences of individuals.
Resolving Ethical Issues: Standard 1
1.01 Misuse of Psychologists’ Work
1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
1.04 Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations
1.06 Cooperating with Ethics Committees
1.07 Improper Complaints
1.08 Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents
Standard 1.01: Misuse of Psychologists’ Work
If psychologists discover that their work has been misused or misrepresented, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.
Standard 1.02: Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
When psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with laws, regulations, or other legal authorities, they clarify the nature of the conflict, express their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict in line with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code.
Importantly, this standard may not be used to justify or defend violations of human rights.
Standard 1.03: Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
If psychologists encounter conflicts between the demands of the organizations they are affiliated with and the Ethics Code, they clarify the conflict, affirm their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code.
Similar to Standard 1.02, this standard cannot be used to justify violating human rights.
Standard 1.04: Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
When psychologists suspect an ethical violation by another psychologist, they attempt to resolve the issue informally by bringing it to the attention of the individual, provided an informal resolution seems appropriate and does not violate confidentiality rights.
This standard emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical concerns within the profession.