Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards

What is the principle of confidentiality in psychology?

Answer: Protecting information

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical psychological practice, establishing trust and ensuring client privacy. It mandates that psychologists safeguard all information shared by clients during therapy, preventing unauthorized disclosure. This principle is vital for encouraging clients to openly share sensitive details without fear of judgment or public exposure.

What does informed consent require?

Answer: Voluntary agreement

Informed consent is an ethical and legal requirement ensuring that clients understand the nature of their treatment, its potential risks and benefits, and their rights before agreeing to participate. It emphasizes the client's autonomy and right to self-determination, requiring their voluntary and uncoerced agreement based on full disclosure of information.

What should psychologists avoid to maintain professional ethics?

Answer: Dual relationships

Dual relationships occur when a psychologist has both a professional and another type of relationship (e.g., personal, financial) with a client. These relationships are generally avoided because they can impair professional judgment, exploit the client, and create conflicts of interest, thereby undermining the therapeutic process and ethical boundaries.

When can confidentiality be ethically breached?

Answer: Risk of harm

While confidentiality is paramount, it is not absolute. Ethical guidelines and laws permit or even mandate breaching confidentiality when there is a clear and imminent danger to the client or identifiable others. This 'duty to warn' or 'duty to protect' overrides privacy in situations where serious harm or abuse is foreseeable, prioritizing safety.

What is ethical responsibility in supervision?

Answer: Ensuring competence

In supervision, the supervisor has an ethical responsibility to guide and oversee the supervisee's clinical work, ensuring they develop and maintain professional competence. This includes providing feedback, teaching ethical practice, and monitoring the quality of care provided to clients. The ultimate goal is to protect client welfare and foster the supervisee's professional growth.

What role does continuing education play in ethics?

Answer: Maintains competence

Continuing education is crucial for psychologists to stay current with the latest research, therapeutic techniques, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements in their field. It ensures that practitioners maintain and enhance their professional competence, allowing them to provide the most effective and ethically sound care to their clients. This ongoing learning is a fundamental aspect of professional responsibility.

What is the psychologist’s duty when encountering unethical behavior?

Answer: Report or address

Psychologists have an ethical obligation to address or report unethical behavior by colleagues or other professionals. This responsibility stems from the commitment to uphold professional standards, protect clients, and maintain the integrity of the profession. Depending on the severity and context, this might involve direct discussion with the individual, consultation with supervisors, or formal reporting to regulatory bodies.

How should conflicts of interest be handled?

Answer: Disclose and avoid

Conflicts of interest arise when a psychologist's personal interests or relationships could potentially influence their professional judgment or actions. Ethically, psychologists must identify, disclose, and actively work to avoid or manage such conflicts to prevent harm to clients and maintain objectivity. Transparency and proactive measures are key to upholding professional integrity.

What is the foundation of professional ethics?

Answer: Respect and welfare

The foundation of professional ethics in psychology is built upon principles that prioritize the well-being, dignity, and rights of clients. Respect for persons, beneficence (doing good), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and justice are core values that guide ethical decision-making and ensure that psychological practice serves the best interests of individuals and society.