Ethics

Question 1

Three general principles of the APS code of ethics

Answer 1

A) Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples
B) Propriety
C) Integrity

Question 2

Repect

Standards of General Principle A

Answer 2

• Justice
• Respect
• Informed Consent
• Privacy
• Confidentiality

Question 3

Propriety

Standards of General Principle B

Answer 3

• Competence
• record keeping
• Professional Responsibility
• Provision of services at request of a third party
• Conflicting Demands

Question 4

Integrity

Standards of General Principle C

Answer 4

• Reputable behaviour
• Communication
• Conflict of Interest
• Non-exploitation

Question 5

5 steps

APS decision making model

Answer 5

1. Recognise that there is an ethical issue present
2. Clarify the issue
3. Generate and examine available courses of action
4. Choose preferred option
5. Review the process

Question 6

Good Q’s to ask during decision making on ethics

Answer 6

Would I be comfortable for my decision to be reported in the media?
* Would I recommend this course of action to a colleague?
* Would I do the same thing with a different client in the same
circumstances?

Question 7

Two broad areas of concern in Ethics

Answer 7

Ethics Covers:
1. Legal issues
2. Moral Issues

Question 8

Moral Issues in Psychological Practice

Answer 8

• Human Rights
• Labelling
• Invasion of privacy
• Divided Loyalties

Question 9

What is the Insanity Defense?

Answer 9

A legal term for someone that is of a “disordered mind” meaning the crime was done without ‘evil’ intent (Mens Rea)

Question 10

When can confidentiality be broken?

3 times

Answer 10

• they are a risk to themself or others
• They have/will hurt a child
• The client is involved in court proceedings

Question 11

What is the mental health court?

Answer 11

One can make a plea to the mental health court if there is reasonable reason to believe that:
- they were of unsound mind
- they are unfit for trial
- that for a murder they have diminished responsibility

Question 12

What can the mental health court decide?

3 rulings

Answer 12

1. They are of unsound mind and unfit to stand trial
2. They are fit for trial
3. They are unfit for trial

Question 13

Does mental health disorders predict violence?

Study on Stranger Homicide and violence rates in mental disorders

Answer 13

Nope
- often drugs and alcohol are the key factor
- Often the murders are of people they know rather than random outbursts toward strangers
- rates of violence are not high at all for mental disorders

Question 14

What is the Tarasoff case?

Answer 14

Psychologist did not warn Tarasoff of the potential danger she was in from her client and as a result tarasoff was killed.

Moral of the story is that sometimes breaking confidentiality for someones safety is ok