American Psychology Association (APA) Ethics - Term Paper Example

? APA Ethics American Psychology Association (APA) Ethics Introduction The American Psychological Association (APA) sets forth enforceable rules of conduct by the psychologists (Marsella et al., 1994). The standards apply to the activities by psychologists that are part of their professional roles. The APA standards are prescriptive in nature, and they guide psychologists on the imposition of highest ethical ideals in their profession. These include the beneficence and non-maleficence, integrity, fidelity and responsibility, and respect for people's rights and dignity and justice (Trevino and Youngblood, 1990). Discussion The beneficence and nonmaleficence entail psychologists trying to benefit those they work with and ensure that they cause no harm. This compels them to safeguard rights and welfare of those they interact with professionally. This is because their judgments have a high probability of affecting other people’s lives. According to this principle, psychologists must be aware o the possible effects of their physical and the mental health and also their capability in assisting the people they work with. In the case provided the psychologist must safeguard the rights and welfare of William, who is currently suffering from post war effects. At first, William likes the idea of seeing the psychologists. However, upon learning that he has connections with his step brother, he becomes reluctant. Ideally, the psychologist must ensure that he introduces himself clearly and assure William of walking with him to see him recover from the problems he was undergoing. This must also entail understanding the sudden shift to drinking by William as a mode of releasing stress. He must understand the possible effects of too much drinking to William’s health and also the trauma it had to his wife Luli. This must be accompanied by appropriate guidance on how William can stop drinking and revert to his life (Trevino and Youngblood, 1990). The second principle of fidelity and responsibility enhances the establishment of trust relationship between psychologists and the people they work with. This means that they should be aware of their professional responsibilities to the society and must be specific in the communities they work for. In the case study presented, the psychologist must uphold the professional standards of conduct when dealing with William. He must seek to identify any conflict of interest since he works closely with Henry and must by then assist William recover from the depression. This calls for compliance with ethical standards to assist William without any personal advantage. The third principle deals with integrity where psychologist must promote honesty, truthfulness and accuracy in their professional practices. As a result, they should not cheat, subterfuge of misrepresent the facts. The psychologist dealing with William must, therefore, strive to avoid any unclear commitments and unwise decisions. First, deception may be ethically justifiable if it maximizes benefits and reduces harm. In this case, he must be wise to maneuver his story now that William is aware of his relationship with Henry and he fears that his privacy may be concealed (Lonner & Trimble, 2002). The fourth principle is on justice where psychologists must recognize justice and fairness to all persons. This involves allowing those they deal with access benefits from contribution of psychologists and accord them equality in administration of processes and procedures. In the case provided, William’s psychologist must ensure that justice is upheld and must not allow any incompetence act condone any unjust practice. For instance, William is biracial while psychologist is a Caucasian. Despite the two sharing a race; Caucasian, there may be instances of misconduct and mistrust between the two. However, the psychologist must be guided by the principle of justice to enhance and provide an environment that is conducive for William to open up. He must guide him to recover from the post war trauma effects. The fifth and final principle is respect for people’s rights. In this case, a psychologist must respect the worth and dignity of all people and individuals. This mainly applies in the current case where William’s psychologist must strive to enhance confidentiality, self determination and privacy. The fact that he works with Henry is not enough guarantee for him to disclose anything concerning William’s well being to Henry. While it may be necessary that Henry be aware of his brother’s well being if this makes William uncomfortable, then it might not be worthwhile (Welfel, 2002). 1.0. Two principles The ethical decision making must be guided by sound and informed judgments to allow one to continual engaging in the self-examination process. In making ethical decisions, psychologists must remain open and must include their clients in making such decisions. This may start by seeking an informed consent to enhance a collaborative relationship and actively involve the clients in making decisions. This means that the psychologist is able to respect the autonomy of the clients and must never in any case strive for dependent behaviour or attitudes. Despite all the five APA principles applying in the case provided, it is of paramount important to emphasize on integrity and respect to human rights principles (Welfel, 2002). Integrity Generally, integrity refers to the consistency concept of values, actions, principles, measures, outcomes or expectations. This encompasses the personal choice and uncompromising predictably consistent commitment towards honouring the ethical principles. In ethics, integrity entails honesty, accuracy or truthfulness of a person’s actions. This stands in opposition to hypocrisy and must, therefore, support internal consistency as a virtue. This suggests that parties holding conflicting values must alter or account for the discrepancy of their beliefs. In the case provided, integrity must involve the inner sense of wholeness that derives from consistency of character and honesty. This implies upholding virtues to the extent that they correspond to principles, values and beliefs. Integrity may be identifiable through abstraction depth of a value system and range of applicable interactions due to congruence with the observation. Such a value system may evolve over time and retention of integrity for people espousing the values enhances resolution of inconsistencies (Sue & Sue, 2002). In APA, integrity forms the third principle where it summarizes what psychologists must not do in their practices. This condemns any acts of fraud, manipulation, general scientific misconduct or even fabrication of results. This means that psychologists have an obligation of considering the need for, as well as possible consequences of their actions. This must be accompanied by correction of any impending mistrust or any harmful effect that may arise from the use of such techniques. Deception explicitly provides erroneous information. The deception cases are rampant in psychology, a factor that naturally raises the question of how this can be used as a last resort design maybe to enhance one’s popularity or to ruin the victim. Therefore, it is recommended that psychologists uphold integrity instead of potential benefits outweighing the implicit and explicit harm. Respect for Human Rights Human rights refer to inalienable fundamental rights that are inherently entitled to people simply because they are human beings. Therefore, human rights are conceived as egalitarian and universal. Such rights may be imposed both legally and naturally. Doctrine of human rights within the international practice acts as the cornerstone of public policy, and the ideology of human rights calls for discourse of peacetime society with a common moral language. The doctrine of human rights provokes considerable skepticism about the nature and content of justifications. This brings out the concept of respect to the human rights. Therefore, respect for human rights entails cherishing the humanity and upholding the truth that all people are equal, endowed by their creator with unalienable rights to life, pursuit of happiness and liberty (Sue & Sue, 2002). In this context, the respect for human rights forms the fifth APA principle, and in a way, it encompasses the other four principles indirectly. In their practice, psychologists must obtain consent before conducting any activity as well as give the assurance for promotion of privacy and confidentiality (Lonner & Trimble, 2002). This facilitates understanding and inspires individuals involved. This postulates that psychologists know and respect the individuals despite the culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and language basis. All factors must be taken into consideration when target to work in psychology. This is especially critical since the case provided comprises of people from various cultures and all are human beings. Therefore, peaceful coexistence is only possible if respect for human rights (which is supposed to be universal and egalitarian) and recognition of people. General significance of integrity and respect for human rights principles Most people have their own beliefs and convictions about the right or wrong behaviour based on laws, beliefs, professional norms or personal experiences (Nathan, 1994). Such might not be the best values ethically due to their lack of universality. Such beliefs may vary over time and from one society to the other. The universal ethical value dictates honouring autonomy and dignity of every person and cautions against any self-righteous legitimate controversies. Values may be translated into principles to guide and motivate an ethical conduct. Therefore, integrity and respect for human rights are ethical principals deriving from ethical values. Such ethics help in putting principles into actions to enhance consistency between whatever is said and whatever is done. Integrity must be undivided and complete where a person acts based on what is right rather than what is expedient. This enhances consistency in making decisions. On the other hand, respect for human rights enhances dignified treatment to all human beings irrespective of their race, colour, and background among others. This indicates that people, including the practitioners, have the responsibility of being nice to people without any form of manipulation or exploitation. This reflects the ability to tolerate and promoting decency in the professional practice. Integrity and respect for human rights generate trust, responsibility and demonstrate respect. A decision can be said to be effective when it performs what was initially intended to perform and advances the purpose (Marsella et al 1994). Application of APA Principles to Multicultural Situation Presented in the Case Study The principles guide against engagement of unfair work-related activities. Unknowingly, psychologists may engage unknowingly in behaviours that demean the persons they interact with based on ethnicity, race, nationality or culture. Attention to diversity is of critical importance. The APA principles offer guidance against the use of monolithic or Eurocentric perspectives within the work place. For psychology to remain relevant, the psychologists must ensure they meet effectively the needs of different individuals that need their services (Hiegel, 1994). The case provided consists of various multicultural issues. First, William is biracial, his step brother is African America, his stepbrother’s wife is Mexican, his wife is South Korean American, and Psychologist is a Caucasian while he is a Caucasian. This calls for sensitivity to such diversity. Beyond this, the psychologist must incorporate specialized knowledge of the background of each individual in their professional interactions. This also requires knowledge on professional ethics. However, this may at times create dilemmas, but the APA ethics code stipulates that psychologists must be aware and knowledgeable of the culture of the person and the different roles. The culturally sensitive treatment accords appropriate respect to the fundamental human rights and dignity of all people. Furthermore, psychologists are instructed to get the appropriate knowledge and train thoroughly to enhance competence in working with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This must be accompanied by respect to the diverse opinions attitudes of the clients and values. The principles instruct psychologists on how to maintain competence and high standards in the workplace. This may call for attendance too the different competencies required when working with individuals of multiple culture. This is clearly stipulated by principle An of APA standards (Aviera, 2002). From the case provided, William’s wife, Luli comes from South Korea, a region affiliated to the origin of William’s problem. We learn that William desires to protect his wife from horrific events. However, communication between them remains superficial. This affects their relationship at long land. Therefore, the psychologist in this case must be keen to avoid taking sides and maybe mobilizing William against his wife. William truly loves his wife and anything short of promoting the love between the two may encourage divorce or even make William situation worsen. Being a Caucasian himself, the psychologist must help William understand that Koreans are real people with equal human rights, and they can take care of him without harming him. This may also entail walking with William to see him forget the trauma of post war effects that greatly contributes to his failure. Disclosing of the personal cultural background helps the client attended to feel that the psychologist is very real and caring. Self disclosure and being human comprise the essential aspects of foundation of a psychotherapy relationship. This is especially critical among the African American clients (Trevino and Youngblood, 1990). The APA principles guide psychologists on the use of non-erotic touch when dealing with multicultural clients and the related issues (Hertwig and Ortmaan, 2008). Since the psychologist and William come from same native country, their communication must be guided by attention to their issues and all conventional counseling styles must be avoided at all costs. The clinicians must therefore be willing to discuss a wide range of issues outside the office setting to enable them access their clients at all times. This may give them opportunity of offering direct advice on how to incorporate their treatments with their customs and beliefs. Acceptance and inclusion may entail treatment partnership to integrate all the necessary factors in their treatment. Therefore, psychologists must be willing to function in various roles in order to be conversant with the backgrounds of their clients. Ethical psychologists must be trained well on how to provide relevant and competent care to their clients from different backgrounds. This calls for masterly of standard and guidelines outlined in APA Ethics Code and the related inherent limitations. Strict adherence to the ethical standards may encourage substandard care to clients from different cultural backgrounds. At times, to be ethical may imply going beyond major conceptions and values of appropriate professional practices and relationships to realize the client’s treatment in a sensitive, effective and manner (Callaway, 2011). The APA standards and guidelines must be implemented and interpreted with understanding and appropriate attention of the cultural background of the client and those who are close to him/her. How cultural background and world views may influence the move towards addressing the ethical dilemmas in the case provided. In the case provided, William is a Caucasian just like the psychologist. However, William’s wife is a South Korean. William had been fighting in Iraq and this has been the foundation for all his problems. South Korea is believed to have very close ties with Iraq and a major enemy of America. Being a psychologist and having the knowledge of all that happens between America and Iraq that is affiliated to South Korea there may be chances of getting biased that the wife to William could be the one propelling the conditions in William’s life. However, according to the principles in APA ethics, psychologists must avoid relationships that can impair their professional performance or exploit the other party. It is also clear that the current situation in William’s life is not caused by his relationship with his wife who is a Korean; rather, it is due to his involvement in wars and the post war effects. According to Behnke, multicultural relationships that do not reasonably result in severity of such effects are not unethical. This is because, in the field of psychology, it is humanly impossible to avoid multicultural relationships (Allan and Love, 2010). Ethical Decision Making Process and Model (IDEAL) In summary, the psychologists must make use of the ethical decision making process and model (IDEAL). This entails identification of the problem. In this case, the psychologist must identify the root cause of William’s problems. Secondly, the potential issues involved must be identified and psychologist determines the best decision to safeguard the William’s welfare. This must be guided by prioritized principles consistent with the codes of ethics. The relevant codes must be reviewed to determine whether the values are consistent with the APA ethics. This must also involve knowing the applicable regulations and laws. This especially applies in the case study where the psychologist works in a company that is affiliated to Henry’s company, hence must be guided by the standards and regulations of the company. The five steps in ethical decision making process involve obtaining a consultation. The Henrys booked an appointment with psychologist, who is a professional in that area and hence an alternative to William’s problems. The sixth step involves considering the possible courses of action. In this case, the psychologist must involve William in discussion on various courses of action. Then the consequences for the various decisions should be enumerated, and finally, in ethical decision making process, a decision should be reached on the best course of action. This should happen after careful consideration of all the available information. This must, however, be followed by careful monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the course of action (Hertwig and Ortmaan, 2008). References Allan, A. and Love, A. (2010). Ethical practice in Psychology. Reflections from the creators of the APS Code of Ethics. Melbourne, Australia: John Wiley & Sons. Aviera, A. (2002). Culturally sensitive and creative therapy with Latino client. California Psychologist 35 (4), 18 Callaway, E. (2011). Report finds massive fraud at Dutch universities. Retrieved From: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/science/18angier.html?_r=1& ref=science Hertwig, A. and Ortmaan, A. (2008). Deception in Social Psychological Experiments: Two Misconceptions and a Research Agenda. Social Psychology Quarterly 71(3), 222–227 Hiegel, J. P. (1994). Use of indigenous concepts and healers in the care of refugees: Some experiences from the Thai border camps. London: Cengage Learning. Lonner, W. J., &Trimble, J.E. (2002). Counselling across Cultures. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Marsella, T., Bornemann, S, & Orley, J. (Eds.). Amidst peril and pain: The mental health and well-being of the world’s refugees. Washington DC: American Psychological Association. Nathan, T. (1994). The healing influence. Paris: Odile Jacob. Sue, D.W. & Sue, D. (2002). Counselling the culturally diverse: Theory and Practice. New York, NY: Wiley. Trevino, L. K. and Youngblood, S. A. (1990). Bad Apples in Bad Barrels: A Causal Analysis of Ethical Decision-Making Behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology 75(4), 378-390. Welfel, E.R. (2002). Ethics in counselling and psychotherapy: Standards, research, and emerging issues. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks. Read More