Ethical Guidelines

Question 1

How many guidelines are there currently in the “Ethical Guidelines Complementing the APS Code of Ethics” (Twelfth Edition)?

Answer 1

There are currently 25 separate guidelines which complement the APS Code of Ethics

Question 2

What does the “Guidelines for the provision of Psychological Services for, and the conduct of psychological research with, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people of Australia” cover?

Answer 2

• The APS Code of Ethics
• Guidelines for:
• psychological Research that involves indigenous People
• provision of psychological services to indigenous people
• psychological testing of indigenous people
• conducting other forms of assessment with indigenous people
• provision of psychological services relating to mental health
• education & training in psychological services
• Summary responsibilities of professional and research psychologists

Question 3

Which aspects of the APS Code of Ethics Standard A.1. Justice does the “Guidelines for the provision of Psychological Services for, and the conduct of psychological research with, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people of Australia” highlight?

Answer 3

*Standard A.1. Justice
A.1.1. Psychologists avoid discriminating unfairly against people on the basis of age, religion,sexuality, ethnicity, gender, disability, or any other basis proscribed by law
A.1.2. Psychologists demonstrate an understanding of the consequences for people of unfair discrimination & stereotyping related to age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or disability.
A.1.3. Psychologists assist their clients to address unfair discrimination or prejudice that is directed against the client

Question 4

Which aspects of the APS Code of Ethics Standard A.3.1. Informed Consent does the “Guidelines for the provision of Psychological Services for, and the conduct of psychological research with, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people of Australia” highlight?

Answer 4

A.3.1. Psychologists fully inform clients regarding the psychological services they intend to provide, unless an explicit exception has been agreed upon in advance, or it is not reasonably possible to obtain informed consent.
A.3.2. Psychologists provide information using plain language.
A.3.3. Psychologists ensure consent is informed by:
(a) explaining the nature and purpose of the procedures
(b) clarifying risks, adverse effects, & possible disadvantages
(c) explaining how information will be collected & recorded;
(d) explaining how long, information will be stored
(e) advising clients about their choices re participation
(f) explaining the reasonably foreseeable consequences if they decline or withdraw
(g) clarifying the time & requirements of taking part
(h) explaining confidentiality and its limits
(i) making clear, where necessary, the conditions under which the psychological services may be terminated; and
(j) providing any other relevant information.

Question 5

Which aspects of the APS Code of Ethics Standard B.1. Competence does the “Guidelines for the provision of Psychological Services for, and the conduct of psychological research with, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people of Australia” highlight?

Answer 5

B.1. Competence:
B.1.2. Psychologists only provide psychological services within the boundaries of their professional competence. This includes, but is not restricted to:
(a) working within the limits of their education, training,
supervised experience and appropriate professional
experience;
(b) basing their service on the established knowledge of the discipline and profession of psychology;
(c) adhering to the Code and the Guidelines;

Question 6

Which aspects of the APS Code of Ethics Standard B.1.4 Research does the “Guidelines for the provision of Psychological Services for, and the conduct of psychological research with, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people of Australia” highlight?

Answer 6

Standard B.1.4. Research
B.1.4.1. Psychologists comply with codes, statements, guidelines, & other directives developed either jointly or independently by the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council, or Universities Australia, regarding research with humans and animals applicable at the time psychologists conduct their research

Question 7

What are the Therapeutic Adverse Procedures for which the “Guidelines for the use of Therapeutic Aversive Procedures” is intended?

Answer 7

Therapeutic Adverse Procedures involve the presentation of an unpleasant consequence on the occurrence of a targeted behaviour. The sole purpose of exposing the client to Therapeutic Adverse Procedures is for the benefit of the client.

Question 8

What are the Ethical principles Psychologists need to consider prior to commencing the use of Therapeutic Aversive Procedures?

Answer 8

• the importance of the protection of human rights of autonomy & dignity
• the safeguarding of the clients welfare is paramount

Question 9

Which aspects of the APS Code of Ethics General Principle B Propriety does the “Guidelines for the use of Therapeutic Aversive Procedures” highlight?

Answer 9

Psychologists ensure that they are competent to deliver the psychological services they provide. They provide psychological services to benefit, and not to harm. Psychologists seek to protect the interests of the people and peoples with whom they work. The welfare of clients and the public, and the standing of the profession, take precedence over a psychologist’s self-interest.

Question 10

Which aspects of the APS Code of Ethics General Principle B Propriety does the “Guidelines for the use of Therapeutic Aversive Procedures” highlight?

Answer 10

B.1.2. Psychologists only provide psychological services within the boundaries of their professional competence. This includes, but is not restricted to:
(a) working within the limits of their education, training,
supervised experience and appropriate professional
experience;
(b) basing their service on the established knowledge of the discipline and profession of psychology;
(c) adhering to the Code and the Guidelines;