Week 2 Discussion: ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSIONALS
Hi Dr. Pruden and Classmates,
Part 1:
Description of at least one of the APA ethical guidelines.
One challenging APA ethical guideline from the “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Ethics” is Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity. This principle states that psychologists should respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination, and should strive to eliminate biases, prejudices, and discriminatory practices.
This guideline can be challenging to comply with in forensic psychology when dealing with sensitive information, such as in court-ordered evaluations or assessments. Maintaining confidentiality while providing accurate and relevant information to the court can be complex, especially when there is a tension between protecting the client’s privacy and fulfilling legal obligations.
One solution to ensure compliance with this guideline is to establish clear boundaries and procedures for handling confidential information. Psychologists should obtain informed consent from clients regarding the limits of confidentiality and the potential disclosure of information. Additionally, psychologists should stay informed about relevant laws and regulations to navigate these complexities effectively (APA, 2017).
Reference:
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of
conduct (2002, amended effective June 1, 2010, and January 1, 2017)Links to an
external site.. https://www.apa.org/ethics/codeLinks to an external site.
Part 2:
Description of your initial impressions.
My initial impressions of the ethics violations described in the California Board of Psychology publication are concerning and highlight the importance of ethical conduct in psychology practice. The violations, which include issues such as sexual misconduct, boundary violations, and breaches of confidentiality, demonstrate the serious consequences that can arise when ethical standards are not upheld. These violations not only harm the individuals directly involved but also erode public trust in the profession.
Ethical violations in psychology are particularly troubling due to the vulnerable nature of the client-practitioner relationship. Clients seek help and support from psychologists with the expectation that their well-being will be prioritized and that their personal information will be kept confidential. When these expectations are not met, it can have lasting negative effects on the individuals involved and can damage the reputation of the profession.
This highlights the importance of continuing education and training in ethical guidelines for psychologists. It is crucial for psychologists to stay informed about ethical standards and to regularly reflect on their own practice to ensure that they are meeting these standards. Additionally, maintaining open communication with clients and seeking supervision when faced with ethical dilemmas can help prevent violations and promote ethical conduct in psychology practice.
Explanation:
Learning about real-life ethics violations has had a profound impact on my views regarding my subspecialty of interest, victimology and victim services, as well as ethical guidelines in general. These violations underscore the critical importance of adhering to ethical standards and guidelines in all aspects of psychology practice, particularly in fields such as victimology where individuals may be particularly vulnerable.
Ethical violations by one psychologist can have far-reaching implications for the entire discipline. Such violations can erode public trust in psychology and create a negative perception of the profession as a whole. Clients and the public expect psychologists to act with integrity and to prioritize the well-being of those they serve. When these expectations are not met, it can undermine the credibility of the entire field.
As a future practitioner in victimology and victim services, I am committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in my practice. I recognize the importance of maintaining confidentiality, respecting the rights and dignity of clients, and avoiding conflicts of interest. By adhering to these principles, I can contribute to promoting trust in psychology and ensuring the well-being of those I serve.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of
Conduct.
CA.gov. (2021). Publication page Links to an external site.. Newsletter of the California Board
of Psychology. https://www.psychology.ca.gov/forms_pubs/updates.shtmlLinks to an external site.