By:
Thomas G. Plante
The
Ethics Code provides useful guidelines for psychologists as well as the public
concerning the standards of professional conduct. The APA has worked to ensure
that a great deal of input from members of the organization occurs with each
revision. The code is “living” in that it is frequently discussed in
professional journals and circles and is updated often.
Many professionals
have suggested that the Ethics Code is a significant improvement over earlier versions,
including greater detail and clarification regarding many of the principles
(Koocher,
1994;
Vasquez, 1994). Furthermore, the APA spends more money on issues of
professional ethics than any other professional organization (Chalk, Frankel,
& Chafer, 1980).
However,
not everyone is satisfied with the Ethics Code (Gabbard, 1994; Keith-Spiegal,
1994; Koocher & Keith-Spiegal, 1998; Lakin, 1994; Payton, 1994; Sonne,
1994). Some have argued that the code does not go far enough in its emphasis on
the declaration of respect for the worth and dignity of individuals. Payton (1994)
reports that the code should go further in addressing issues of relevance to
ethnic minority group members as well as women, gay men and lesbians.
Others
are concerned that the code does not go far enough in protecting patients and
students from sexual exploitation by psychologists (Gabbard, 1994; Koocher
& Keith-Spiegal, 1998; Layman &
McNamara,
1997). In fact, unlike previous versions of the Ethics Code, the current version
allows for sexual relationships between psychologists and patients under
special circumstances two years following the termination of services.
Some
argue that issues pertaining to multipatient therapies such as family therapy,
couples therapy, and group therapy are not adequately addressed in the Ethics
Code (Lakin, 1994). Some cynically state that the code is designed to protect
psychologists more than the public (Payton, 1994). Finally, some argue that
much of the code is too vague and does not provide specific guidelines in a
number of important areas (Koocher & Keith-Spiegal, 1998).
However
imperfect, the Ethics Code provides a working standard of conduct by which
persons who receive psychological services can judge professional behavior. All
psychologists are expected to both know and follow the Ethics Code.
Professional
ethical guidelines in psychology are not simply strict laws to follow or
violate. Infractions are not generally met with a punitive response (unless the
violation is very serious with potential significant harm to the public).
Rather, professional ethics in psychology are meant to be educative and ethical
dilemmas are generally resolved informally among colleagues.
Diligent
attention to ethical behavior upholds the stature, helpfulness, and humanitarian
goals of the clinical psychology profession. Although many future revisions of
the Ethics Code is assured, the basic principles of ethical behavior outlined
many years ago by Hippocrates are likely to be applicable indefinitely.
Future
clinical psychologists will always be expected to behave in a competent, professional,
ethical manner and maintain integrity and responsibility in their professional roles
and responsibilities. It is unlikely that these basic tenets will ever change.
Key Points
1.
Whether a psychologist is a researcher, teacher, therapist, or administrator,
he or she is expected to maintain the highest professional ethics in all
professional activities at all times.
2.
Most complaints that result in action against psychologists by the APA involve
breaking confidentiality, sexual misconduct (e.g., sexual relationship with a
patient), nonsexual dual relationships (e.g., friendships or business
partnerships with patients), and insurance/fee misbehavior
(e.g.,
over billing insurance, billing for services not rendered).
3.
Since 1953, the APA has had an Ethics Code that specifically outlined the
behavior expected of all psychologists. The Ethics Code has been updated nine times
since 1953 and the current version was published in December, 2002 (APA, 2002).
4.
The current version of the ethical principles for psychologists is divided into
five general principles and ten ethical standards.
The
general ethical principles include (1)
beneficence and non-maleficence, (2) fidelity and responsibility, (3)
integrity, (4) justice, and (5) respect for people’s rights and dignity.
The
ethical standards include (1) resolving ethical issues, (2)
competence, (3) human relations, (4) privacy and confidentiality, (5)
advertising and other public statements, (6) recordkeeping and fees,
(7)
education and training, (8) research and publication, (9) assessment, and (10)
therapy.
5.
Psychologists must maintain competence in their area(s) of specialization and
work. They must only provide services that they have the appropriate training
and experience to legitimately offer to the public. They must also stay up-to-date
on changes and advances in the field in order to ensure that they maintain
state-of-the-art skills.
6.
Psychologists must maintain professional and personal integrity and be
respectful, fair, and honest in their dealings with others. They must be
truthful in describing their services, their areas of expertise, and what can
be expected from participation in their services. They must be well aware of
their biases, needs, and values and how each of these impact their work.
7.
Psychologists should make all efforts to avoid inappropriate dual
relationships.
8.
Psychologists must be willing to consult with others as indicated in order to
best serve their patients or clients. They must also help to avoid unethical
behavior engaged in by colleagues. Psychologists must be responsible for their
own conduct and accept their obligations to the larger profession and public
welfare.
9. Psychologists
must be respectful of the rights and dignity of others. They must be sensitive
to individual and cultural differences as well as vigilant in providing nondiscriminatory
services. They must respect the rights to freedom, privacy, and confidentiality
of their patients and clients.
10.
Psychologists work to improve the quality of life and never incur harm through their
work with others. Psychologists must never exploit their relationships with
others.
11.
Psychologists work to help others and advance the science and knowledge of human
behavior. Psychologists are expected to contribute some professional time to
causes that do not result in financial or
other personal gains.
12.
Many may assume that those who commit ethical violations are usually incompetent
or malicious. However, well meaning psychologists seeking to best serve the
interests of their patients, students, or others commit ethical violations. No
one is immune from engaging in unethical behavior. Even well-trained, well-meaning,
and thoughtful psychologists are capable of committing an ethical violation.
13.
Ethical principles are developed at the national level by the APA to protect
the public and profession as well as to provide guidelines for conduct among
psychologists. All psychologists are expected to know and follow the ethical
standards set forth by the APA. Ignorance of the Ethics Code is no excuse for
unethical behavior.
References
Contemporary clinical psychology / Thomas
G. Plante — 2nd ed. Copyright © 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights
reserved.
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