Ethics in Psychology
PRACTICAL ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS
A Positive Approach
Samuel J. Knapp and Leon D. VandeCreek
American Psychological Association, 2006
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES The reader will be able to:
• Explore thoroughly the idea and requirements of positive ethics
• Describe the four “philosophical systems” most helpful for psychologists
• Explore the six conditions that must be met before infringing on a moral principle
• Describe the acculturation model of ethics in psychology and which group psychologists should strive in their careers
• Describe the “five-step” model of ethical decision making
• Describe how positive psychology training programs can create programs that foster ethical behavior
• Explore ethical issues in the fields of forensics, teaching, business, assessment, and therapy
• Describe how to deal with issues regarding competence, multiple relationships, informed consent, and confidentiality
• Describe how to interpret and apply the APA’s “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct”
Samuel J. Knapp, ED.D., is the director of professional affairs for the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and has authored numerous books and articles.
Leon D. VandeCreek, Ph.D., is a professor in the School of Professional Psychology at Wright State University.
Helps psychologists clarify what they value, consider how they should behave, and determine what constitutes proper professional conduct. This book is unique in stressing the importance of positive ethics?that is, ways in which psychologists can reach their highest ethical ideals, rather than just avoiding breaking rules. Using the 2002 APA Code of Ethics as a guide, the authors lay out a five-step model for resolving ethical dilemmas, illustrating the discussion with thumbnail sketches of both ethical and questionable behaviors. Throughout, they stress the importance of self-care, which involves self-regulation, emotional competence, and an understanding of the unique occupational challenges of being a psychologist. Provides guidance on dealing with ethically complex issues like competence, multiple relationships, informed consent, confidentiality (including confidentiality with life endangering patients), fees and financial issues, public statements, and risk management. Individual chapters are devoted to special issues for psychologists working in forensics, teaching, business, assessment, therapy, and supervision and training. This book is ideal for classroom use or self-study.