Ethics Flashcards
What are the general principles underlying ethical practice
A - Respect fro the rights and dignity of people and peoples
B - Propriety
C - Integrity
What ethical dilemmas or ethical issues can arise in professional practice?
Personal values vs social values
Self interests vs benefit to others
Honesty vs benefit to others
Personal values vs social norms
What is in the code of ethics?
Specific guidelines for psychologists
articulate and promote ethical guidelines
Outlines what is considered ethical conduct
Expresses psychologists responsibility to
- clients
- Community and society
-profession
-colleagues and members of the profession
Must be interpreted and understood in conjunction with the law and organisational rules and procedures
Also have ethical guidelines that can be read in conjunction with the code
Identify ethical issues and understand how to make ethical decisions based on scenarios
Develop insight into blindspots, weaknesses, prejudices or ignorance
Ask self the following general questions:
Effect of any current personal difficulties?
Operating within limits of competence?
Avoidance of any topics of questioning?
Inconsistency in communication?
Uncharacteristic behaviours?
Discomfort with boundaries?
More self-disclosure than usual?
Ethical Responsibility in therapeutic Alliance
Trust - Clients seek help with the hope that their condition will improve and that they will not be harmed or exploited in the process
Power - The trust bestowed is a source of power
Caring - A responsiveness to the needs of the client in an emotionally charged context
4 Requirements for ethical practice
1) Engagement in a continual, active process of ethical awareness
2) Understanding of ethical codes and legal frameworks (necessary, but not sufficient for exercising ethical responsibility)
3) Ability to see ethical implications in specific situations and choices
4) Ability to critically evaluate ethical dilemmas and identify options for resolution
Mandatory Notification Guidelines
Practice while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
Sexual Misconduct in place of practice
Placing the public at risk of substantial harm because of an impairment
Placing the public at risk of harm because practice that is significantly different from the accepted professional standards
Definition of Practice standards
intended to complement discipline specific practice standards or competencies of each of the professional groups, and to address the shared knowledge and skills required when working in an interdisciplinary mental health environment
8 Core capabilities for registration
1) Knowledge of the discipline
2) Ethical, legal and professional matters
3) Psychological assessment and measurement
4) Intervention strategies
5) Research and evaluation
6) Communication and interpersonal relationships
7) Working within a cross-cultural context
8) Practice across the lifespan
What to consider when adhering to ethics
Moral principles and personal values Clinical and cultural factors Professional code of ethics Agency or employer policies Federal, state and local statutes Rules and regulations Case law
General Principle A: Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples
Psychologists regard people as intrinsically valuable and respect their rights, including the right to autonomy and justice.
Psychologists engage in conduct which promotes equity and protection of people’s human rights, legal rights and moral rights.
They respect the dignity of all people and peoples
General Principle B:Propriety
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 psychologists’ self interest
General Principle C:Integrity
Psychologists recognise that their knowledge of the discipline of psychology, their professional standing, and the information they gather place them in a position of power and trust.
They exercise their power appropriately and honour this position of trust.
Psychologists keep faith with the nature and intentions of their professional relationships
Psychologists act with probity (complete integrity and uprightness) and honesty in their conduct
7 Step Process For Ethical Practice
Know the relevant ethical codes
know the applicable state and federal laws
know the rules and regulations of the setting in which you work
Learn to identify situations with potential ethical problems
Learn to identify potential ethical traps
Learn a method for problem solving ethical dilemmas in complex situations
Be prepared to consult Senior colleagues who are knowledgeable about ethics and engage in continuing education in ethics
4 Ethical Traps
1) Commonsense – you believe that commonsense is objective and that because you are ethical this will allow you to make the correct decision. You always bring your own agenda which is subjective – i.e. influenced by personal values
2) Values – your own moral standards are different from professional standards
3) Circumstantiality – belief that there is not right or wrong because of the circumstances. However, According to the law/code it is right or wrong – legal interpretation eg., drink driving to save someone’s life – still wrong legally
4) Who will benefit – put clients interests first. Long term benefits rather than short-term. Eg., mental health client at risk of vulnerability – Involuntary treatment order to protect them even though might be currently stable = but longitudinal history suggests that without ITO would become non-compliant and relapse placing themselves in further harm
- Society, profession, individual client
