Ethics in Applied Psychology Practice PDF

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PS3018 Ethics in Applied Psychology Practice Ethical Dilemmas Larkin (1991)

Kitchener (1984)

“Whereas ethical dilemmas in the practice of psychotherapy are inevitable, unethical actions and behaviours are not”

An ethical dilemma exists wherever there are “good but contradictory ethical reasons to take conflicting and incompatible courses of action”

Ethical dilemmas are part of the clinical practice – key is what do you do about it? The response to the dilemma (actions and behaviour). There are not always one clear pathway/solution = reason why it is called a dilemma. Psychologists’ are held accountable on the decisions made – responsible to solve the dilemma.

Ethics The science of morality Seeks to establish guidelines: human character and action may be judged as good or bad, right or wrong.

Model of Moral & Ethical Reasoning Based on Beauchamp & Childress (1989) and Kitchener (1984) Intuitive Level The immediate response to a dilemma of an individual’s moral conscience An implicit sense of what is believed to be right or wrong Important for the counselling psychologist in the minute to minute of a session Developed through professional and personal experience Despite difficulties, critical part of a counselling psychologist’s repertoire.

Critical Evaluation Level: Rules Specific laws and codes of conduct. Increasing regulation by professional bodies. Codes of ethics from professional bodies identify minimum standards to which all professional members are accountable. Falling below these standards may be sanctioned by their professional body. Professional ethical codes are primarily to protect the public but can also protect the counselling psychologist

Codes of ethics from professional bodies identify minimum standards to which all professional members are accountable (code of conduct) – sign up to their rules. Codes and regulations are there to protect the public and vulnerable individuals. Also, the psychologist – structure and guideline to support.

Ethical Gaps? Too narrow in scope?

Thatcher (2006)

David Smail (1999)

Fails to address some most important aspects of psychology work - challenged BPS codes.

Does psychology overlook ‘the most essential ingredient of distress: the way power is exercised over people.’

HCPC ‘Standards of conduct, performance and ethics’ do not mention power at all (red booklet).

BPS (2006) BPS code does not directly address the issue of power or raise ethical issues to be negotiated. Paragraph 1- States that psychologists have ‘sensitivity to the dynamics of perceived authority or influence over clients’. Section 1.1.i - we are guided to respect clients from different backgrounds. Section 1.1 iii - requires us ‘to avoid practices that are unfair, biased or discriminatory’, there is no elaboration or explanation of what this might mean.

Theories When there are conflicts and decision needs to be made on which one to value most – look at theories Explore fundamental theoretical beliefs about humanness.

Lindsey & Clarkson (1999) Describe in a few words, or more detail, an incident that you or a colleague have faced in the past year or two that was ethically troubling you.’ Surveyed and wanted to replicate identical studies conducted by BPS and APA They asked to apply even if they do not have a dilemma to share.

Critical Evaluation Level: Principles Universally applicable values of equal merit from which the rules

Note: All of these are morally binding but can come in conflict....