Review of Ethics in psychology: Professional standards and cases.

Reviews the book, Ethics in psychology: Professional standards and cases by Patricia Keith-Spiegel and Gerald P. Koocher (see record 1985-97634-000). This well written and interesting book offers comprehensive coverage of how the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists (1981) apply in any setting where psychologists are involved. This book should be of special interest to Canadians who are interested in the new Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Code of Ethics. The CPA Code organized the areas of concern covered by the APA code, plus new and emerging issues, under an umbrella of four general principles and many associated standards of conduct. Both the book and the CPA Code attempt to raise the level of consciousness about ethical issues and ethical decision-making. The result? They complement each other and together provide a useful combination of philosophy, standards, and concrete examples of unethical or questionable behaviour by a psychologist. All who read this book will become aware of the complexity associated with ethics in the practice of psychology. The authors are to be congratulated on providing a scholarly work, long needed by the public and psychologists alike. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethics, prisoner interrogation, national security, and the media.

The role of psychologists in the interrogation of prisoners and consultants to law enforcement agencies is discussed within the context of military involvement and National Security. There has been considerable discussion in the media about the role of health care professionals as interrogators and consultants. The American Psychological Association (APA) established a Presidential Task Force on Psychological Ethics and National Security (PENS), which examined the current APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct. The report concluded that psychologists may be involved in the role of supporting an interrogation but are not to be involved in any way in unethical behaviors and have a duty to report acts that involve torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading acts. Psychologists are also expected to consult when they face ethical dilemmas and must be sensitive to the problems involved in mixing inconsistent roles such as health care provision with services as consultants to interrogators. They must refrain from involving themselves in multiple relationships. Comments and criticisms of the PENS report are discussed and there is elaboration on the current state of the debate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An overview of the major changes in the 2002 APA Ethics Code.

This article summarizes the major changes that were made to the 2002 Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association. The 2002 Ethics Code retains the general format of the 1992 Ethics Code and does not radically alter the obligations of psychologists. One goal of the Ethics Committee Task Force was to reduce the potential of the Ethics Code to be used to unnecessarily punish psychologists. In addition, the revised Ethics Code expresses greater sensitivity to the needs of cultural and linguistic minorities and students. Shortcomings of the 2002 Ethics Code are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multiple relationships: Does the new ethics code answer the right questions?

The new "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct" (American Psychological Association, 1992) presented expanded attempts to clarify the ethical issues regarding multiple relationships and to provide useful guidance for psychologists. This article proposes that the new code fails to address adequately 2 basic questions necessary to provide psychologists with clear guidance: (1) What are multiple relationships? and (2) When do multiple relationships constitute unethical conduct? The article offers a definition of multiple relationships and identifies several dynamics operating within a professional relationship that are likely to be adversely affected by the imposition of a secondary relationship. Unethical multiple relationships are defined. Finally, the article suggests additions to the new code that would enhance its utility for psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

Presents the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (Ethics Code) that is effective beginning June 1, 2003. The Ethics Code consists of an Introduction, a Preamble, five General Principles (A-E), and specific Ethical Standards. This Ethics Code applies only to psychologists' activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or professional roles as psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Déontologie et éthique: La pertinence pour le Québec du code Canadien d'éthique pour les psychologues.

The duties and responsibilities of psychologists practicing in Quebec are defined by the province's Deontology Code for Psychologists (Code de déontologie des psychologues). This article examines the differences between the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists and the provincial code, and considers whether the Canadian Code could play an important role in the training of future psychologists in Quebec, while serving as an essential tool for the practice of the profession in the province. A comparison of the two codes shows certain limitations in the Quebec Code concerning the professional conduct of psychologists, especially in complex situations involving conflicts of principles, values, standards, rights or responsibilities. Closer examination also indicates that the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists represents a reference framework that could overcome these difficulties. The author discusses the implications of this conclusion for the training of future psychologists and the practice of the profession in Quebec and offers recommendations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Voices from beyond: Comment from other countries: Introduction.

The first "made-in-Canada" code for psychologists was adopted in 1986, 34 years after the American Psychological Association adopted its first code. In the ensuing years Canadian psychologists tested the viability of applying the Code to various areas of psychological activity. The results were generally positive, especially regarding the ethical principles, the ethical decision making process and the usefulness of the Code in teaching. What we had not anticipated was the international attention that the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists would receive. It seems important to know what use is being made of the Canadian Code outside of Canada, and what aspects of the Code seem most valuable to others. For this special issue, several psychologists beyond Canada's borders were asked to comment on the Canadian Code. We are happy to present the voices of the six contributors who responded to our request. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

Presents the American Psychological Association's Ethics Code. The document consists of an introduction, a preamble, 6 general principles, and specific standards and rules for conduct by psychologists. Topics covered by the standards include (1) General Standards, (2) Evaluation, Assessment or Intervention, (3) Advertising and Other Public Statements, (4) Therapy, (5) Privacy and Confidentiality, (6) Teaching, Training Supervision, Research, and Publishing, (7) Forensic Activities, and (8) Resolving Ethical Issues. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethical issues in elder abuse reporting: A professional psychologist's guide.

Elder abuse is a concerning issue for professional psychologists, who have legal and ethical obligations to report it. While dramatic cases of abuse are easy to identify, psychologists may struggle with how to respond to more subtle cases of potential abuse. General legal standards for elder abuse reporting are provided, along with ethical guidelines from the APA Ethics Code. Important considerations are discussed in tandem with three fictional vignettes illustrating examples of suspected elder abuse that professional psychologists may more commonly confront in practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Rules and Procedures: Committee on Scientific and Professional Ethics and Conduct.

Describes the rules and procedures approved by the Committee on Scientific and Professional Ethics and Conduct for investigating complaints of unethical conduct of Fellows, Members, Associates, and Affiliates of the American Psychological Association. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethical considerations of social/romantic relationships with present and former clients.

The chairpersons of the state and provincial ethics committees and the executive directors of licensing boards were surveyed in regard to the frequency of complaints of sexual impropriety filed against psychologists during 1982 and 1983. The survey also concerned the disposition of the complaints and whether the psychologists alleged that the therapeutic relationship had terminated before the initiation of the sexual relationship. The findings indicated that a considerable number of complaints had been filed, that close to half had led to findings of violations by the psychologists, and that psychologists asserting that a sexual relationship had occurred only after the termination of the therapeutic relationship were more likely to be found in violation than those not making that claim. Implications of these findings are discussed, and we recommend that the American Psychological Association's Code of Ethics be modified to include a statement regarding sexual relationships with former clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Principle-Based Analysis of the 2002 American Psychological Association Ethics Code.

The authors adopt a position that the Standards in the American Psychological Association (APA; 2002) Ethics Code should be based on or be logically related to some underlying ethical theory. The authors then review the 2002 APA Ethics Code from the standpoint of principle-based (prima facie) ethics. Their analysis shows that almost all of the enforceable standards in the 2002 APA Ethics Code are based on or can be linked logically to the criteria of principle-based ethics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

2010 Amendments to the 2002 "Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct".

The following amendments to the 2002 “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” (the Ethics Code; American Psychological Association, 2002) were adopted by the APA Council of Representatives at its February 2010 meeting. The changes involve the last two sentences of the final paragraph of the Introduction and Applicability section and Ethical Standards 1.02 and 1.03. The amendments became effective June 1, 2010. A history of these amendments to the Ethics Code is provided in the “Report of the Ethics Committee, 2009” in this issue of the American Psychologist (American Psychological Association, Ethics Committee, 2010). Following are a clean version of the revisions and a version indicating changes from the 2002 language (inserted text is underlined; deleted text is crossed out). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Application of the CPA code of ethics: Towards integrating the science and practice of psychology.

Comments on S. Harvey's (see record 1994-43015-001) article on using the Canadian Psychological Association's Code of Ethics for psychologists in an organizational case. Harvey demonstrates that the Code of Ethics can be used as a metatheoretical framework that may lead to an integrated value system. The code must become part of the shared background of scientific activity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social pressures and the values of psychologists.

Speaking in connection with the APA Code of Ethics, the author discusses the social roles of psychologists and the social pressures associated with such roles. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethics-based training for nonclinical staff in mental health settings.

Under the Ethics Code of the American Psychological Association (2002), psychologists are responsible for ensuring that delegated tasks are performed competently. For staff members who interact with clients or who have access to confidential client information, technical competence may not suffice. Psychologists who want to provide the best protection for clients can offer staff training that fosters “ethical competence” as well. Setting-specific ethics training is important even for personnel who have previously worked in other mental health sites, because it demonstrates how the profession’s ethical standards will be upheld through specific policies in the current setting. From an ethical perspective, staff training is not an end in itself or a risk-management strategy for protecting psychologists; rather, it is a means of protecting clients and their rights. The goal is to create a culture of safety (S. J. Knapp & L. D. VandeCreek, 2006) in which upholding ethical standards becomes everyone’s shared responsibility. This ethics-based training would be appropriate for nonclinical staff, clinical staff, supervisees, and students. It can be adapted to outpatient, inpatient, research, or academic clinic settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethical Dilemmas in Sport Psychology: Discussion and Recommendations for Practice.

The practice demands required of sport psychologists often complicate the direct and specific fulfillment of several ethical regulations. Many practitioners face specific issues of confidentiality and the appropriate use of informed consent, challenges to practicing within areas of competence, issues regarding termination, and challenges that arise from multiorganizational demands and the formation of multiple relationships. Although ethical guidelines established by the American Psychological Association direct practice in order to protect both the client and the practitioner from difficult and dangerous situations, these guidelines typically pertain directly to traditional practice efforts. Within sport psychology, although ethical practice requires consideration of established guidelines, the specific demands of the population and setting complicate traditional adherence to such parameters. Sport psychologists must be flexible in their practice and carefully consider how the Ethics Code can both benefit athlete-clients and minimize inherent practice difficulties. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Report of the Ethics Committee, 2002.

In accordance with the bylaws of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Ethics Committee reports regularly to the membership regarding the number and types of ethical complaints investigated. In addition to processing ethics cases, significant activities in 2002 included completing work on the revision of the "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct" (hereinafter also referred to as the Ethics Code; APA, 1992, 2002) and expanding and developing educative efforts. Members of the 2002 Ethics Code Task Force are listed. Other topics include: Ethics Education and Consultation; Ethics Publications; Ethics Committee Membership; Ethics Office Staff; Ethics Case Data; and data on Ethics Inquiries for 2002. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Record Keeping Guidelines.

These guidelines are designed to educate psychologists and provide a framework for making decisions regarding professional record keeping. State and federal laws, as well as the American Psychological Association's "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct," generally require maintenance of appropriate records of psychological services. The nature and extent of the record will vary depending upon the purpose, setting, and context of the psychological services. Within these guidelines, more directive language has been used when a particular guideline is based specifically on mandatory provisions of the Ethics Code or law. However, some areas are not addressed in those enforceable standards and regulations. In these areas, more aspirational language has been used. This document aims to elaborate and provide assistance to psychologists as they attempt to establish their own record keeping policies and procedures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Homophobia and the psychologist's role in psychoanalytic training institutes.

In 1988, a settlement agreement in a federal antitrust suit secured for psychologists the right to apply for training with the American Psychoanalytic Association (the American). It is the premise of this article that this victory for psychologists also confronted them with an ethical dilemma because the American has a history of discrimination against gay men and lesbians. This article explores the ethical predicament facing psychologists who wish to train as psychoanalysts. It concludes that it is incumbent on them to be vigilant against future homophobia within the American and actively voice opposition to discriminatory attitudes or actions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)