Lecture 1: Governing bodies, hierarchy, and related practice issues Flashcards
Explain what the APS does
The APS is the professional member organisation for psychologists in Australia. It supports psychologists by providing professional development opportunities, networks, and resources.
It aims to enhance the reputation and integrity of the profession,
and ensure that psychology is of benefit to individuals, systems and communities
Explain the relationship between AHPRA and the PsyBA
AHPRA works to enforce the standards of the Psychology Board of Australia
What level of acculturation do you see as optimal? Why?
Integration, because it’s when you can adopt the ethical values of your profession, while maintaining your own value traditions.
What are the other types of acculturation other than Integration? Explain what they are
MAS:
Marginalisation - low in new values, low in old
Assimilation - high in new values, low in old
Separation - low in new values, high in old
Explain the relationship between the APS Code of Ethics, the new AHPRA Code of Conduct, and the APS Ethical Guidelines
The APS Code of Ethics are the overarching principles of the psychology profession, and values-driven, while the APS Ethical Guidelines are the specific guidelines on ethical conduct across practice areas.
The new AHPRA Code of Conduct is developed by the PsyBA and will sit alongside the APS Code of Ethics, be used by AHPRA, and be the ultimate guide on ethical conduct when there are discrepancies between the APS and AHPRA guidelines. The code of conduct is more prescriptive and compliance oriented. It focuses on specific behaviours and implications of misconduct.
Outline the three guiding principles in the APS Code
R. I. P
Respect the rights and dignity of all people and peoples
Propriety - act in ways that uphold the profession of psychology, beneficence, competence, reliability
Integrity - good character, honesty
There are over 30 practice areas with APS ethical Guidelines that address them. What are at least 3 of these areas?
E.g….some are:
Hypnosis
Internet
Suicidality
Confidentiality
Supervision
Financial trading
record keeping
Prohibition of sexual relationships with clients
Reporting abuse, neglect and criminality
Women
Young People
Men and boys
Media
rural /remote
Serious harm
Boundaries
Whether to self-disclose in session is an ethical decision as well as one about orientation. Discuss
- Self-disclosure risks shifting the focus of the session away from the client and onto the therapist
- Self-disclosure can blur boundaries
- Self-disclosure can impose the therapists own values onto the client
- However, self-disclosure when appropriate can also help to build rapport and therapeutic alliance.
It’s an ethical question but also about orientation/own values
What is the Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists?
It is a common, universal moral framework.
Respect for dignity
Integrity
Competent practice and caring for the wellbeing of all people
Professional responsibilities to society
The Universal Declaration describes those ethical principles that are based on shared human values. It reaffirms the commitment of the psychology community to help build a better world where peace, freedom, responsibility, justice, humanity, and morality prevail.
What are two limitations to the APS Code of Ethics?
- It requires a subjective interpretation
- It’s a benchmarking system, it cannot address all possible situations (remember, every case is complex!)
What is the difference between beneficence and non-maleficence?
Beneficence is positive - it is providing something positive.
Non-maleficence is neutral (not causing harm) but it may not bring positive outcomes.
What are the four main areas of ethical dilemmas?
(PTCC)
Privacy
Transfer of values
Competency
Complex relations/roles
