The American Psychological Association (APA) has established a comprehensive set of ethical guidelines known as the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. These guidelines aim to ensure that psychologists adhere to the highest standards of professional behavior, safeguarding the welfare and rights of individuals and communities they serve.
Key Takeaways
- The APA’s Ethics Code includes an Introduction, Preamble, five General Principles, and specific Ethical Standards.
- The Code applies to various professional roles and contexts, including clinical practice, research, teaching, and public service.
- Membership in the APA requires adherence to these ethical standards.
- The Code is designed to guide psychologists in making ethical decisions and resolving conflicts responsibly.
Introduction and Applicability
The APA’s Ethics Code is a comprehensive document that includes an Introduction, a Preamble, five General Principles (A-E), and specific Ethical Standards. The Introduction outlines the intent, organization, and scope of the Ethics Code, while the Preamble and General Principles serve as aspirational goals to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of the profession. Although the Preamble and General Principles are not enforceable rules, they should be considered when making ethical decisions. The Ethical Standards, on the other hand, set forth enforceable rules for conduct.
General Principles
The General Principles are aspirational in nature and aim to guide psychologists toward the highest ethical ideals. These principles include:
- Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Psychologists strive to benefit those they work with and take care to do no harm.
- Fidelity and Responsibility: Psychologists establish relationships of trust and uphold professional standards of conduct.
- Integrity: Psychologists promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in their work.
- Justice: Psychologists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access and benefit from psychology.
- Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity: Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people and the rights to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.
Ethical Standards
The Ethical Standards are enforceable rules for conduct and cover a wide range of activities and roles. Some key areas include:
- Resolving Ethical Issues: Psychologists must take reasonable steps to resolve conflicts between ethics and law, regulations, or organizational demands.
- Competence: Psychologists must provide services, teach, and conduct research within the boundaries of their competence.
- Human Relations: Psychologists must avoid unfair discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of harassment.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Psychologists must take reasonable precautions to protect confidential information.
- Advertising and Public Statements: Psychologists must avoid making false or deceptive statements.
- Record Keeping and Fees: Psychologists must maintain accurate records and discuss financial arrangements early in the professional relationship.
- Education and Training: Psychologists must ensure that their education and training programs are designed to provide appropriate knowledge and experiences.
- Research and Publication: Psychologists must obtain informed consent from research participants and avoid plagiarism.
- Assessment: Psychologists must base their assessments on information and techniques sufficient to substantiate their findings.
- Therapy: Psychologists must obtain informed consent for therapy and avoid engaging in sexual intimacies with current or former clients.
Conclusion
The APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct serves as a vital framework for guiding psychologists in their professional roles. By adhering to these ethical standards, psychologists can ensure that they are acting in the best interests of their clients, students, and the broader community, while upholding the integrity of the profession.
Sources
- Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct, American Psychological Association (APA).
