Unit 3

Ethical Principles in Psychology

• General Principles

  • Not enforceable rules.

  • Describe the highest ideals of psychological practice.

  • Object of aspiration for all psychologists.

First Principle: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

• Beneficence

  • Definition: To provide benefits to those with whom psychologists work.

• Nonmaleficence

  • Definition: Do no harm.

Second Principle: Fidelity and Responsibility

• Psychologists should:

  • Establish relationships of trust.

  • Be aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities.

  • Uphold professional standards of conduct.

  • Clarify their professional roles and obligations.

  • Accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior.

Third Principle: Integrity

• Psychologists should promote:

  • Accuracy.

  • Honesty.

  • Truthfulness in science, teaching, and practice.

Fourth Principle: Justice

• Psychologists recognize that:

  • Fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and benefits from contributions of psychology.

Fifth Principle: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

• Psychologists respect:

  • The dignity and worth of all individuals.

  • Rights to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.

Family Ethics and Minor Clients

• Overview of the Four C's of General Family Ethics, focusing on two:

  • Consent

  • Confidentiality

Consent in Treatment of Children and Adolescents

• Can children and adolescents give consent?

  • Answer: Generally, no.

  • Explanation:

  • Younger children cannot comprehend the implications of consent.

  • Adolescents may understand but might not fully grasp all procedures involved in treatment.

  • Consequently, consent given by minors is often uninformed consent.

• Proxy Consent:

  • Generally obtained from parents or legal guardians.

  • Assent:

  • Psychologists should strive to obtain assent from children before treatment.

  • Assent allows children to express willingness, thereby giving them a voice in their goals for therapy.

• Example:

  • Case of Rachel, an 11-year-old experiencing destructive behaviors.

  • Parents provide consent, but therapist also seeks Rachel’s assent to align therapy goals with her interests.

Treatment Without Consent

• Situations where treatment may occur without parental consent:

  • Children in crisis situations (e.g., suicidal thoughts).

  • Cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or endangerment.

  • Short-term mental health services for pregnant minors or those with sexual health issues.

Confidentiality

Definition of Confidentiality

• Expectation that client information disclosed during treatment will not be shared with others.

• Dual Purposes of Confidentiality:

  • Encourages individuals to seek mental health services.

  • Facilitates open and honest disclosure of information during therapy.

Situations for Breaking Confidentiality

• Possible scenarios include:

  • Threats to self or others (imminent danger).

  • Suspected abuse or neglect (mandatory reporting).

  • Court-ordered disclosure of records.

• Most Common Reason:

  • Imminent danger – psychologists must act to protect the welfare of clients or others threatened.

  • Example: If an adolescent expresses intent to harm themselves, the therapist must inform parents/guardians.

• Consultation:

  • Therapists can disclose necessary information to colleagues for consultation or supervision, avoiding personal identifiers.

Confidentiality Rights

• Who Holds the Right to Confidentiality?

  • The parents, as the child is not considered an adult and lacks legal status.

• Challenges arise since parents may access sensitive information, which can deter children from disclosing vital information for their therapy.

  • Example: A child may fear disclosing substance use if they know parents will be informed, which could hinder effective therapeutic practices.

• Importance of upfront discussions regarding confidentiality to mitigate potential issues in therapy for minors.