Week 5: Ethical Considerations in the Application of Psychology Flashcards
Define ethics (in psychology)
The professional values foundational to the profession - a common set of principles and standards upon which psychologists build their professional and scientific work
Who does the APA code of ethics apply to?
All psychologists - endorsed psychologists are responsible to AHPRA; psychologists engaged in applied psychology should still utilise, as they may be responsible to employer
What is an ethical conflict?
A situation where two or more interests collide (e.g. client and practitioner, or practitioner and organisation)
What is an ethical dilemma?
A situation where the appropriate course of action is not given or obvious, and does not include only one solution
What are the three general ethical principles?
Respect, Propriety, Integrity
What is the role of the APA Code of Ethics?
Protects clients, protects psychologists, places clear boundaries in place, and can be used as a tool for psychologists if they feel something an organisation is asking them is outside of their scope of practice
What are the sub-categories of respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples?
Justice, respect, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, release of information to clients, collection of client information from associated parties
What is justice?
Part of the respect principle, justice states that psychologists should not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or by any other biases prescribed by law; as well as it being important to be culturally competent, to understand potential prejudiced and their impact, and manage potential impacts.
What is respect?
Part of the respect principle, respect states that respect must be shown for clients, colleagues and the profession at large; as well as the legal and moral rights of others must be respected
What is informed consent?
Part of the respect principle, psychologists should fully inform clients regarding the services they intend to provide - unless an explicit exception is agreed upon in advance; confidentiality should also be explained
Define informed consent
Includes details about the proposed procedures (cost and duration), the risks and potential disadvantages
What is privacy and confidentiality?
Part of the respect principle, psychologists have a responsibility to ensure the privacy of their client and any data that is collected; as well as ensuring confidentiality of information about clients collected during the provision of services, including in recording, storage, and dissemination, and in disposal of information at the completion of services
What is release of information to clients and collection of client information by associated parties?
Part of the respect principle, clients should be able to access their own information, as well as having a right to know when information is shared with a third party - including the nature and purpose of the collection, how information will be stored, for how long, and who will have access
What are the sub-categories of propriety?
Competence, record keeping, professional responsibility, provision of psychological services at the request of a third party, provision of psychological services to multiple clients, delegation of professional tasks, use of interpreters, collaborating with others for the benefit of clients, accepting clients of other professionals, suspension of psychological services, termination of psychological services, conflicting demands, psychological assessments, research
What is competence?
Part of the propriety principle, psychologists should be competent to deliver services - only providing services that are within the bounds of their skills and training. Services should benefit and not harm, and should continue in professional skills development
What is record keeping?
Part of the propriety principle, records of service provision need to be kept for a minimum of 7 years; if that client is under 18, the records mut be retained until they reach the age of 25; the records must be accurate
What is professional responsibility?
Part of the propriety principle, services must be provided in a responsible manner, and only for the period of which these are necessary. Professional boundaries must be maintained between both clients and colleagues.
What is provision of psychological services at the request of a third party?
Part of the propriety principle, psychologists must be transparent about the nature of the services provided, and include the nature of the role, probable uses of the information, limits to confidentiality, and any financial arrangements.
What is collaborating with others for the benefit of clients and accepting clients of other professionals?
Part of the propriety principle, psychologists must provide assistance for clients seeking second opinions, or when a client needs care when the primary psychologist is unavailable
What is use of interpreters?
Part of the propriety principle, when an interpreter is needed, we must ensure that this role is performed competently for the context, and that the code is followed by the interpreter.
What is delegation of professional tasks?
Part of the propriety principle, psychologists must ensure that the code is followed by members of a service, including those who are in training, and non-service providing colleagues.
What is provision of psychological services to multiple clients?
Part of the propriety principle, when working with multiple clients, psychologists need to ensure that they are all informed about limits to confidentiality and information sharing in advance.
