Week five:Professional Practice and Professional Ethics- complex consent issues Flashcards
What is the principle of Informed Consent in psychological practice
It ensures that clients are fully aware of the psychological services they are receiving, including risks, purposes, and potential outcomes, while protecting both client autonomy and professional integrity.
What are the three components of informed consent?
- Informed: Clear, comprehensive, and understandable information;
- Voluntary: Freely given without coercion;
- Rational Process: Consent comes from a logical, cognitive decision-making process.
What does “voluntary” consent mean?
It means consent is given freely, without any coercion, and considers whether the client is under pressure or has mental/emotional impairments that could affect their decision.
What is the role of a psychologist in the “rational process” component of informed consent?
Psychologists must ensure the client understands the information and is capable of weighing the pros and cons logically to make an informed decision.
What is competence in the context of informed consent?
Competence refers to the cognitive and emotional ability to make decisions about one’s own care and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if a client cannot provide consent?
Consent is typically transferred to a legally authorized representative (e.g., parent, guardian, or legal proxy) to ensure the client’s rights and well-being.
What should a psychologist do if a client is compelled to participate in therapy?
The psychologist must assess the client’s ability to voluntarily and rationally consent and communicate the boundaries of their involvement clearly.
What is the guideline A.3.6 regarding consent?
Psychologists must obtain consent from legal guardians when a client’s capacity to consent is impaired but should still try to get consent from the client as much as possible.
How does the consent process change for minors (under 18 years)?
Minors’ ability to consent varies by age, maturity, and understanding, with parents/guardians typically providing consent but psychologists also seeking the child’s assent where appropriate.
What is the consent process for young minors (0-8 years)?
Legal guardians provide consent, but the psychologist should explain the process and seek the child’s assent when possible, especially to build a therapeutic relationship.
How does the consent process change for minors aged 8-14 years?
While parental consent is still required, it becomes more important to communicate directly with the child and seek their assent, fostering trust in therapy.
What is the “Mature Minor Doctrine”?
Adolescents, especially those closer to 16-18, may have the ability to make decisions similar to adults, but the psychologist must assess their maturity and understanding of the consequences.
What is “Gillick Competence”?
It refers to the ability of a minor to make decisions about their medical or psychological care if they demonstrate enough understanding of the nature, consequences, and risks of their decisions.
What is mandatory reporting of abuse for psychologists?
Psychologists must report suspected child abuse or neglect, even if the client’s consent is not given, as it supersedes confidentiality.
What is the process of mandatory reporting in Victoria, Australia?
If a psychologist believes a child is at risk of harm, they must report it to child protection authorities immediately, including harm like physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or emotional harm.
What should psychologists do when working with adults who cannot consent?
Consent should be obtained from a legal guardian or authorized representative, but the psychologist should involve the adult in the decision-making process as much as possible.
What is the role of a psychologist when working with non-consenting adults?
Even if the adult refuses to participate or is coerced into therapy (e.g., court order), the psychologist must still inform them of the services, risks, and consequences and allow them the opportunity to consent or decline.
Why is informed consent important in psychological practice?
It ensures that clients’ rights and autonomy are respected while balancing the psychologist’s ethical responsibilities, building trust in the therapeutic relationship.
