Bricklin (2001) Bring ethical: More than obeying the law and avoiding harm

Question 1

What are the 3 main components of ethical decision making?

Answer 1

1. Exploration of personal ethics
2. Consideration of the hierarchy of ethical principles
3. Ethical codes

Question 2

What are the fundamental ethical principles outlined in the Bricklin (2001) article?

Answer 2

1. Autonomy
2. Beneficence
3. Nonmaleficence
4. Fidelity and justice

Question 3

What is autonomy?

Answer 3

The client’s right to self-direction

Question 4

What is beneficence?

Answer 4

Doing good for others

Question 5

What is nonmaleficence?

Answer 5

Not doing harm

While context-dependent, nonmaleficence often prevails over all others

Question 6

What is fidelity and justice?

Answer 6

The responsibilities accruing from a special relation of trust and fairness where the welfare of the client comes first

Question 7

What are the 5 steps in the ethical decision making process?

Answer 7

1. Identify whether the problem is truly and ethical dilemma
2. Identify the stakeholders
3. Identify the relevant ethical standards or principles
4. Two questions: Are there compelling reasons to deviate from the standard? What are the overarching ethical principles involved?
5. Generate possible courses of action - is this decision ethical? Is it implementable?

Question 8

Sometimes ethics are law, but…

Answer 8

not all ethical issues are legal issues

Question 9

The APA Insurance Trust’s steps as minimal guidelines with respect to assessment:

Answer 9

1). Courts often follow, “What is not written, was not done.”, 2). Understand and adhere to the principles of confidentiality and informed consent, 3). Do not accept referrals or supervisees that are outside the bounds of your professional competence, 4). Formalize supervisory relationships, 5). Immediately contact your insurance carrier and follow their advice if a lawsuit is threatened or filed.

Question 10

To ensure an “ethical self”, psychologists need to have the following 5 things:

Answer 10

1. Clarity concerning their own personal ethics; beliefs about right and wrong.
2. Knowledge of the standards and laws relevant to the practice of psychology.
3. Awareness of gut level (intuitive) responses in any situation.
4. Responsible decision-making processes available to them when ethical dilemmas arise.
5. Knowledge of the limitations of their own competence and willingness to consult when necessary.