...Ethics in Psychological assessments Consider the American psychological Association writing the first formal code of ethics in 1942, detailing professional use of assessments. Addressed were qualifications for the test users, responsibilities, principles, guidelines, application and use of assessments for psychologists. Additionally the American counseling Association code of ethics provides expectations for conduct with the primary emphasis being on the role of the professional counselor. Again MFT provides the some code of ethics in which to provide expectations of the licensed Marriage and Family therapist. Examples of provisions within those guidelines for the use of assessments, but more specifically the responsibility of the professional counselor, plus implications for not following ethical decision making model of principles. While considering the foundation set forth by those professionals with wisdom, experience and knowledge whom submitted a draft for approval, the American psychological association created an empirically developed code that was based on ethical dilemmas. Although the American Psychological Association had been in existence since 1892 with no formal code of ethics for over 59 years, there was a scientific /professional ethics, and code of conduct observed in 1950. A survey was used to gather actual descriptions of professional activities providing that guideline which set precedence for years to come in the APA profession. This was done with the...
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...Abstract The contents of this paper will consist of the concepts of the ratio of the benefits and risk, and defining ethics of the use of animals in research. Animal research is a topic which is ethically sound and a concerning manner to researchers of the psychological field. There are issues of tests run on the animals which are controversial in manner and a part of the (APA) American Psychological Association ethical issue. The APA is a organization for psychologists in the United States, and designs rules and guides the profession of psychologists as well as other medical personnel. The impact of the testing of animals in the research of psychology will be included in the discussion. Ethics in Psychological Research Paper Animals in Research Ethics help guide researchers around ethical dilemmas that may arise when conducting research. Example questions would be is it acceptable to avoid telling the participant of a study as to what the researcher is looking for and testing about? In what instances is it acceptable and when is it not? The development of research ethics helps guide researchers to find the necessary answer to the different question types (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, & Zechmeister, 2009). Conducting a scientific research is when researchers look for facts, try to prove theories, and declare the findings the truth, and those conducting research must use the ethics guidelines (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, & Zechmeister, 2009). The research study or...
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...Ethical Decision Making PSYCH 545 May 7, 2012 Abstract This paper analyzes the therapist’s ethical dilemma of accepting or not a gift from a client from a non-Western culture. The essay describes the selected ethical dilemma, the cultural factors involved, and the first 14 steps that therapist takes to resolve this dilemma, and to arrive to an ethical decision. The 14 steps taken to obtain the ethical decision identify key aspects of this situation, analyzes the benefits and weaknesses of the options that therapist has. These ethical steps are helping the psychologist to identify the best approach for the ethical dilemma. The decision making process described in this paper applies to the patient’s best interest, influencing the client and therapist. Also the paper explains the importance of the ethical decision in professional psychology. Ethical Decision Making Ethical decision making process refers to the ability to take a decision after an evaluation of a complex and ambiguous ethical situation, and to the capacity to implement that ethical decision effectively. The ethical decision in this paper refers to the ethical dilemma of accepting of not the gift from the patient. In this case the client comes from a non-Western culture, so the ethical dilemma involves cultural considerations. The gift giving aspect must take into account the cultural context. The patient is a Navajo Native American male, and he has offered a dream catcher as a gift to his therapist...
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...The Complexity of Ethical Decision Making Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart remarked, "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do." In parsing out a virtuous ethical identity, psychologists strive to embrace several American Psychological Association [APA]-worthy overarching principles, to apply the enumerated guidelines within the Code of Ethics, and to cultivate personal and professional integrity in their quest to serve others. Furthermore, making an ethical commitment to placing the well-being of clients above one’s own personal feelings is paramount in providing effective therapeutic services that clients seek. However, the gentle human interplay of dependency, power, and will; the uniqueness and unpredictability of autonomous human beings; and the complexity of personality, behavior, and the inimitable experiences of each individual clearly drive and complicate the process of ethical decision-making. In espousing the “very highest ethical ideals of the profession (Hill, 2008),” eventually every psychologist must find a way to merge her purely objective, linear, and rational ethical catechism with her own intuitive responses to best reflect and balance her style, therapeutic orientation, and professional belief system with the needs of each distinct client. Conversely, a purely sensate approach to ethical decision-making, it seems, relies too heavily on subjectivity, whimsy, and emotions...
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...Ethical Standards and Codes Jamaica R. Webster Survey of Professional Psychology/PSYCH 545 March 21, 2010 Dr. Mary Helen McGreevy, Psy.D Abstract This paper will prepare an explanation of ethical standards and codes. Ethics is a word that can be described or defined with a variety of meanings. This paper will analyze the impact of societal norms on the development of ethical standards and codes. This paper will also evaluate the impact of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) ethical standards and codes on professional practice in the field of psychology. This paper will also explain the importance of professional ethical standards and codes in the field of psychology. Ethical Standards and Codes Ethical standards and codes were set up by the APA. This code of ethics is a policy for all psychologists or other medical health professionals to follow the rules or law. In the field of psychology or other medical professional field, our paper will define ethical standards and codes, analyze the impact of societal norms on the development of ethical standards and codes, evaluate the impact of the APA ethical standards and codes on professional practice in psychology, and explain the importance of professional ethical standards and codes in psychology. Definition of Ethical Standards and Codes Ethical Standard are principles, which when followed, promote values such as trust, good behavior, fairness, and/or kindness. There is not one consistent set of standards...
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...Ethical Decision Making Process: The Case Study of Gentry As counselors, we are responsible for promoting the mental, emotional and physical well-being of our clients. Sometime promoting the welfare of clients is not as simplistic and straightforward as it is in textbooks. There will be times when we, as counselors, face the challenge that is an ethical dilemma. When deciding how to manage these types of situations there are ethical, legal and moral considerations. The American Counseling Association has established the ethical guidelines for counselors. The legal obligations counselors must adhere to are established by the federal government and state legislation. Moral principles that counselors reflect upon are autonomy, nonmaleficence,...
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...ethics (?????). Making care of the patient the foremost important ethical duty of the patient (??????). As health care today has become more complex and challenging the fundamental principles of Florence Nightingale’s ethical principles are still in use today (??????). Over the years the adoption of more formal codes of ethics, the American Nurses Association and the International Council of Nurses, were established to guide nurses in everyday choices of care (BOOK>>>>). Understanding the fundamental necessity of professional codes of ethics in nursing is an essential skill. Therefore, this paper will discuss and compare the importance of the American Nurses Association...
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...University: NRS-437V Ethical Decision Making in Health Care 10/23/2011 An ethical dilemma occurs when options include conflicting moral claims, health care providers face ethical dilemma on a daily basis. The ethical dilemma presented in this paper is whether to respect a patient’s autonomy not to receive blood and blood products due to her religious belief and compromise standard of care. In the article, An Ethical Dilemma Involving a Dying Patient, the writer addresses ethical issues related to a 20 years old female who is 32 weeks pregnant, involved in an accident and sustained a life threatening injury which required an emergency blood transfusion and surgery in order to save her life and that of her unborn child. Due to her religious faith as a Jehovah witness she and her husband reject blood products and blood transfusion as option. The ethical dilemma “A conflict can be experienced when there is evidence to indicate that a certain acts is morally right and evidence to indicate that the act is morally wrong, but no evidence is conclusive” (Burkhardt, 2008, p. 118.). The ethical dilemma faced by the health care providers in this case is the patient’s decision to refuse blood transfusion in other to stay true to her religious belief, the end result of her decision was death, if she had hearken to the medical plan of care and received blood transfusion, she would have lived but be faced with the guilt of betraying her religious faith. The main ethical dilemma was that by...
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...Capella University May 2014 Ethics in the Psychology Field In the profession of psychology there are ethical principles and code of conduct put in place to protect the therapist and the client. It is the therapist responsibility that all ethical dilemma, professionalism, values and judgments are within these guidelines. The dilemma in this paper will come about when a therapist is faced to make a decision regarding a father (custodial parent) of a minor who is being treated by the therapist and the mother (non-custodial parent) wants to be involved. The therapist has to make sure the decision is ethical and in the scope of practice of a psychologist. Following the laws and keeping the client safe will play a major role in the critical thinking process. The Dilemma A father seeks a therapist to treat his minor child for depression and minor cutting. The father has told the therapist that he divorced his wife because she has drinking problems, and she continues to drink. He makes it clear that he doesn’t want the mother involved because he feels she has a part in the child behavior. The therapist then receives a phone call from the mother wanting to participate in the child’s therapy. The mother tells the therapist she is aware of her drinking problem and she is in the process of getting help. The therapist is now put in a situation where he/she has to make an ethical decision. The Reasoning The child was bought to therapy by his father (APA 2010, Standard 4.05 a-b)...
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...according to the psychological organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the Association of Specialist in Group Work (ASGW). This author will also address what the American Association of Christian Counselor (AACC) has to say about the ethical standards for Christian Counseling. To effectively practice ethically group therapy a counselor needs to internalize the morals, values, and behavioral makeup of each individual within the group. This paper will also look at the comparison between group and individual psychotherapy and why a counselor will choose between the two. The group processes in both individual and group psychotherapy are a positive catalyst for personal growth within the individual psyche. Whereas group therapy tends to address interactional and interpersonal, individual therapy usually looks at the intra-psychic. Group therapy has been proven to have effective treatment benefits in the treatment with various psychological and personal problems. The final section will address the ethical challenges this author may face and her biblical perspective in counseling, her personal leadership qualities and her personal approach to group counseling. Counseling in our society has gone through multiple changes in the recent years. More individuals are looking into receiving support and guidance in the way of group counseling. Due to the increase in counseling theories and models counselor need to work in an ethical manner. Also with...
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...Ethical Dilemmas in Global Health Care: Cosmetic Surgery on Children Grand Canyon University NRS-437V November 13, 2011 Ethical Dilemmas in Global Health Care: Cosmetic Surgery on Children Nationally and internationally public awareness and concerns regarding cosmetic surgery on children is increasing (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011). The United States of America had over 36,000 cosmetic procedures on children just in 2009 (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011). These elective cosmetic procedures include: rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, otoplasty, liposuction, tummy tucks, and westernizing eye surgery (blepharoplasty) for Asian children (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011; Ouellette, 2009). Blephroplasty widens the eyes of Asians, and is even performed on newborns (Ouellette, 2009). There is no specific law that blocks the use of plastic surgery on children (Ouellette, 2009). The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery code of ethics states merely that surgical operation should not be performed if it is not calculated to improve or benefit the patient (Ouellette, 2009). The Australian Medical Association position statement on body image and health states that “ patients under 18 years of age should not have procedures to modify or enhance physical appearance, unless it is in their medical and or psychological interest” (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011, p. 514).There is no explanation by either of these entities on how we should determine if it is in their medical and or...
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...Personal Ethics According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the nursing code of ethics provides a framework for nurses to use as a guide to help them in ethical decision making (ANA, 2001, p. 3). There are many provisions to the nursing code of ethics, but the intent of the document remains consistent. Our own ethics, morals and values contribute to our personal philosophy of nursing and shape our nursing practice. There are often conflicts of a nurses own values, morals and ethics causing dilemmas within her, but referring back to the code of ethics can help guide her like a compass on the correct path for each patient. Morals are what dictate right and wrong to a person, including nurses. As a nurse, doing anything to harm a patient is immoral. Keeping that in mind when we talk to a patient or family, we do not want to cause any harm, be it physical, emotional or psychological. It is in this way that our moral compass guides our actions and words. As with morals, values also contribute to our decisions and philosophy of nursing. Moral values refer to thoughts and ideas which we hold dear, have meaning to us, or describe beliefs that guide us to make decisions in our person and professional lives. When we run into a dilemma with our morals, this is where ethics steps in. Ethics involves questioning our morals, and moral decisions in life and in our nursing practice. This questioning of moral decisions causes ethical dilemmas. Human life should be valued above...
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...paper evaluates an ethical school counseling dilemma where a counselor is ultimately faced with a student’s disclosure of suicidal intentions. The setting takes place in a public high school where Lakia, a counselor decides to begin a “relationship skills” group. Lakia post advertisements drawing interest from current students through the schools counseling office. She advertised with little information regarding the mission or purpose of the group. Lakia did not request information from students interested in the group such as their interest to participate, the nature of their past and current problems or previous experiences with other groups. The first meeting began with a total of nine students heavily skewed in the female gender with only two male participants. During the opening of the first meeting, one of the male participants named Robert self discloses his violent past and that he often experiences anger issues predominantly toward women. During a break, five of the female participants decide to exclude themselves from the group. Robert then proceeds to become emotional and unveils his intentions to commit suicide when he arrives home afterschool. This paper will evaluate this ethical dilemma using the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) Decision Model. Evaluation will include discussions identifying the problem, applying the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Ethical Code, determining the nature and dimensions of the dilemma, potential courses...
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...reverted itself slowly to its ' origin just as a clock would dial back the hands of time, capturing the original reason for fighting freedom, no individualism. Therefore, it is necessary to say that collectivism is back because it was never completely out of the picture but just waiting for greed to resurrect it and give it a new body. Individualism and collectivism are two items that pose major concerns in the world that we live today and can be contrasted based on the dilemma of disbanding one for the other including the thoughts of different races and their interpretations of the world today. Individualism holds that the individual is the primary unit of reality and the ultimate standard of value. This view does not deny that societies exist or that people benefit from living in them, but it sees society as a collection of individuals, not something over and above them (Stata, 1992). Individualism is at once an ethical-psychological concept, and an ethical-political one. As an ethical-psychological concept, individualism holds that a human being should think and judge independently, respecting nothing more than the sovereignty of his or her mind; thus, it is intimately connected with the...
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...a bed. He was also difficult with the nurses, throwing urine at them and making them generally uncomfortable. Doctors tried to coax him into accepting intravenous antibiotics, but he refused. The choice: send him back to the street, a possible violation of the “First do no harm” oath, or seek a court order declaring the man incapable of making decisions for himself, essentially forcing him into the doctors’ care. The Ethical Dilemma in the Case The moral values at stake are the principles of autonomy as well as, the ethics of protecting the patient and doing no harm. The principle of autonomy stems from the ethics of respects for persons. Robert M. Veatch, the author of The Basics of Bioethics, explains that the ethics of respect for persons stresses that “humans deserve respect independent of the consequences of actions” (p 62). Treating individuals with autonomy, and protecting people with diminished autonomy are the two main principles that underlie the ethics of respect for persons (The Belmont Report, 1979). Autonomy is defined as “a psychological state of an individual who is capable of being self-determining or self-legislating” (Veatch, 2011, p 81). In this case the concept of autonomy relates to the patients capability of choosing to accept or deny any medical treatment. Why is autonomy at stake? The case presents the question on whether the doctors should respect the patient’s decision to refuse care, or force him into their care. By forcing him into their care...
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