APA Ethics Code – Study Notes (Principles and Standards)

Components of the APA Ethics Code

Introductions, Preamble, five General Principles (A–E), and specific Ethical Standards.

Purpose of the APA Ethics Code

To provide guidance for psychologists’ professional conduct across scientific, educational, and clinical roles.

Scope of the Ethics Code

Applies to professional activities conducted in person, by mail, telephone, Internet, and other electronic transmissions, distinguishing from purely private conduct.

APA Membership Obligation

APA members and student affiliates must comply with the Ethics Code; lack of awareness is not a defense for unethical conduct.

Definition of 'Reasonable' in Ethics Standards

The prevailing professional judgment of psychologists in similar contexts with the knowledge available at the time.

Ethics Code vs. Law (Higher Standard)

If the Ethics Code sets a higher standard than law, psychologists must meet the higher ethical standard.

General Principles (APA Ethics Code)

Aspirational goals to guide psychologists, not enforceable rules that justify sanctions by themselves.

Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

Strive to benefit those you work with and do no harm, safeguarding welfare and rights.

Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility

Establish trustworthy relationships, uphold professional standards, clarify roles, accept responsibility, and manage conflicts of interest.

Principle C: Integrity

Promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in science, teaching, and practice; avoid deception unless ethically justified with steps to address harm.

Principle D: Justice

Strive for fairness, equal access to psychology’s benefits, and ensure processes and services are fair, preventing biases.

Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

Respect dignity, privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, and safeguard rights of vulnerable individuals/communities; respect cultural, individual, and role differences.

Standard 1.02: Conflicts Between Ethics and Law

Clarify the conflict, uphold the Ethics Code, and seek responsible resolution consistent with General Principles; cannot justify violating human rights.

Standard 1.04: Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations

Attempt to resolve ethical violations informally by informing the other psychologist if appropriate and within confidentiality limits.

Standard 1.05: Reporting Ethical Violations

If informal resolution fails or harm is substantial, take further action (e.g., state ethics committees, licensing boards) with confidentiality exceptions.

Standard 2.01: Boundaries of Competence

Provide services only within boundaries of competence, obtaining necessary knowledge/experience for specialized populations, training, or supervision.

Standard 2.06: Personal Problems and Conflicts

Avoid initiating activities likely to be compromised by personal issues; seek help and adjust duties when needed.

Standard 3.04: Avoiding Harm

Take reasonable steps to avoid harm, minimize harm when possible, and never participate in torture or cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.

Standard 3.05: Multiple Relationships

Avoid multiple relationships that impair objectivity or cause harm/exploitation; resolve unexpectedly arising conflicts in the client’s best interest.

Standard 3.10: Informed Consent

Obtain informed consent for research, assessment, therapy, or consulting, providing explanations appropriate to language and comprehension, including limits of confidentiality.

Standard 4.01: Maintaining Confidentiality

Protect confidential information obtained through professional work, considering legal and regulatory constraints.

Standard 4.02: Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality

Discuss limits of confidentiality and foreseeable uses of information at the outset of the relationship and as needed, including electronic transmission risks.

Standard 5.01: Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements

Do not make false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements about research, practice, training, credentials, or outcomes; ensure accuracy of public claims.

Standard 6.03: Withholding Records for Nonpayment

Cannot withhold records needed for emergency treatment solely due to nonpayment.

Standard 7.07: Sexual Relationships with Students and Supervisees

Strictly prohibits sexual relationships with students or supervisees over whom the psychologist has evaluative authority.

Standard 8.02: Informed Consent to Research

Inform participants about purpose, duration, right to withdraw, risks/benefits, confidentiality, incentives, and contact for questions before research participation.

Standard 8.07: Deception in Research

Allowed only if justified by significant scientific/educational value with no feasible non-deceptive alternatives; participants must be informed about deception as early as possible and allowed withdrawal of data.

Standard 8.08: Debriefing (Research)

Provide participants with information about the study and correct misunderstandings; minimize harm if disclosure is delayed.

Standard 9.03: Informed Consent in Assessments

Obtain informed consent for assessments unless mandated by law, educational/organizational settings, or to evaluate decisional capacity; explain nature and limits of confidentiality.

Standard 9.11: Maintaining Test Security

Protect the integrity and security of test materials and content consistent with legal and contractual obligations.

Standard 10.01: Informed Consent to Therapy

Discuss nature/course of therapy, fees, third-party involvement, and confidentiality limits early in the therapeutic relationship.

Standard 10.05: Sexual Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients/Patients

Strictly prohibited.

Standard 10.08: Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients

Generally prohibited for at least two years after termination; exceptions require demonstrating no exploitation.

Standard 10.10: Terminating Therapy

Terminate when the client no longer benefits, therapy is harmful/unsafe, or when appropriate; provide pre-termination counseling and referrals.

Aspirational Principles vs. Enforceable Standards

General Principles are aspirational guides, while Ethical Standards are enforceable rules for professional conduct.

Centrality of Confidentiality & Informed Consent

These are foundational ethical considerations across all practice areas, including therapy, assessment, research, and consultation.

2010 Amendments to Ethics Code

Clarified resolution of conflicts between ethics and law/organizational demands, emphasizing upholding the Ethics Code and human rights principles.

2016 Amendment