Why do psychologists need a code of ethics

Ethical Issues in Psychology. Moral issues rarely yield a simple, unambiguous, right or wrong answer. It is therefore often a matter of judgment whether the research is justified or not. For example, it might be that a study causes psychological or physical discomfort to participants, maybe they suffer pain or perhaps even come to serious harm.

On the other hand, the investigation could lead to discoveries that benefit the participants themselves or even have the potential to increase the sum of human happiness. Rosenthal and Rosnow also talk about the potential costs of failing to carry out certain research. Who is to weigh up these costs and benefits? Who is to judge whether the ends justify the means? Finally, if you are ever in doubt as to whether research is ethical or not it is worthwhile remembering that if there is a conflict of interest between the participants and the researcher it is the interests of the subjects that should take priority.

Studies must now undergo an extensive review by an institutional review board US or ethics committee UK before they are implemented. All UK research requires ethical approval by one or more of the following:.

NHS research. Committees review proposals assess if the potential benefits of the research are justifiable in the light of the possible risk of physical or psychological harm. Some of the more important ethical issues are as follows:.

Whenever possible investigators should obtain the consent of participants. They also need to know what it is that they are agreeing to. In other words, the psychologist should, so far as is practicable explain what is involved in advance and obtain the informed consent of participants. Before the study begins the researcher must outline to the participants what the research is about, and then ask their consent i. However, it is not always possible to gain informed consent. Where it is impossible for the researcher to ask the actual participants, a similar group of people can be asked how they would feel about taking part.

If they think it would be OK then it can be assumed that the real participants will also find it acceptable. This is known as presumptive consent. After the research is over the participant should be able to discuss the procedure and the findings with the psychologist. They must be given a general idea of what the researcher was investigating and why, and their part in the research should be explained.

Participants must be told if they have been deceived and given reasons why. They must be asked if they have any questions and those questions should be answered honestly and as fully as possible. This standard of the ethics code is designed to guide psychologists in their interactions with others in the field.

This includes guidelines for dealing with sexual harassment, discrimination, avoiding harm during treatment, and avoiding exploitative relationships such as a sexual relationship with a student or subordinate. However, the APA also notes that there are limitations to confidentiality. Sometimes psychologists need to disclose information about their patients in order to consult with other mental health professionals, for example.

While there are cases where information is divulged, psychologists must strive to minimize these intrusions on privacy and confidentiality. Psychologists who advertise their services must ensure that they accurately depict their training, experience, and expertise. They also need to avoid marketing statements that are deceptive or false. This also applies to how psychologists are portrayed by the media when providing their expertise or opinion in articles, blogs, books, or television programs.

When presenting at conferences or giving workshops, psychologists should also ensure that the brochures and other marketing materials for the event accurately depict what the event will cover. Patient records include case notes and other diagnostic assessments used in the course of treatment. In terms of research, record keeping involves detailing how studies were performed and the procedures that were used.

This allows other researchers to assess the research and ensures that the study can be replicated. This standard focuses on expectations for behavior when psychologists are teaching or training students. When creating courses and programs to train other psychologists and mental health professionals , current and accurate evidence-based research should be used.

This standard also states that faculty members are not allowed to provide psychotherapy services to their students. This standard focuses on ethical considerations when conducting research and publishing results. For example, the APA states that psychologists must obtain approval from the institution that is carrying out the research, present information about the purpose of the study to participants, and inform participants about the potential risks of taking part in the research.

Psychologists should obtain informed consent before administering assessments. They should also take steps to ensure the privacy of those who have taken assessments. This standard outlines professional expectations within the context of providing therapy. Areas that are addressed include the importance of obtaining informed consent and explaining the treatment process to clients.

Confidentiality is addressed, as well as some of the limitations to confidentiality, such as when a client poses an immediate danger to himself or others.

Minimizing harm, avoiding sexual relationships with clients, and continuation of care are other areas that are addressed by this standard. For example, if a psychologist must stop providing services to a client for some reason, psychologists are expected to prepare clients for the change and help locate alternative services. What happens if a psychologist violates a standard in the APA ethics code?

After a report of unethical conduct is received, the APA may censure or reprimand the psychologist, or the individual may have his or her APA membership revoked. Complaints may also be referred to others, including state professional licensing boards.

State psychological associations, professional groups, licensing boards, and government agencies may also choose to impose sanctions against the psychologist.

Health insurance agencies and state and federal payers of health insurance claims may also pursue action against professionals for ethical violations related to treatment, billing, or fraud.

Illegal activity may be prosecuted in the criminal courts. If this results in a felony conviction, the APA may take further actions including suspension or expulsion from state psychological associations and the suspension or loss of the psychologist's license to practice. Because psychologists often deal with extremely sensitive or volatile situations, ethical concerns can play a big role in professional life. The most significant ethical issues include the following:.

Due to the role they serve, psychologists often work with individuals who are vulnerable due to their age, disability, intellectual ability, and other concerns. When working with these individuals, psychologists must always strive to protect the welfare of their clients. Psychologists are responsible for providing a wide range of services in their roles as therapists, researchers, educators, and consultants. When people are acting as consumers of psychological services, they have a right to know what to expect.

When conducting research, informed consent involves letting participants know about any possible risks of taking part in the research. Therapy requires providing a safe place for clients to discuss highly personal issues without fear of having this information shared with others or made public.

However, sometimes a psychologist might need to share some details such as when consulting with other professionals or when they are publishing research. Ethical guidelines dictate when and how some information might be shared, as well as some of the steps that psychologists should take to protect client privacy.

The training, education, and experience of psychologists is also an important ethical concern. Psychologists must possess the skill and knowledge to properly provide the services that clients need. For example, if a psychologist needs to administer a particular assessment in the course of treatment, they should have an understanding of both the administration and interpretation of that specific test.

While ethical codes exist to help psychologists, this does not mean that psychology is free of ethical controversy today. Ever wonder what your personality type means? Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter.

American Psychological Association. The ethics code is multi-dimensional and the psychologist must adhere to the code of conduct in order to keep their license. Psychologists must follow ethical principles that prevent them from deceiving their clients, meaning the psychologist cannot lie to a patient for the good of the psychologist.

However, deception among psychologists may fall into different codes when conducting research. For example, ethics codes for psychologist and research participants during a research would include codes of conduct such as deception of the participants is justified only when the prospective educational, scientific and applied value are achieved when non-deceptive alternatives are not viable.

The participates cannot be deceived about conditions of the research that may induce pain or emotional distress and every participant must be debriefed at the end of their participation in the research. Psychologists also have certain rules and codes they must follow in regards to the protection of the public as well as the protection of their clients. The ethical principles were put in place not only for the benefit of mental health professionals, but to protect the clients, the families, associates and the general public.