APA Ethics
Ethics are very crucial in the field of psychology, especially concerning the therapy process and research. It is because when one works with patients, he may encounter a variety of ethical and moral issues that need to be taken into consideration. Hence the American psychology Association gives an outline of ethical principles and standards that professionals must be equipped with in case they encounter a moral dilemma. The principles help inspire psychologists when executing their profession, whereas the rules are expectations of conduct that can guide to professional ramifications when violated. The ethical principals include
Beneficence and Non-Maleficence
The principle requires that psychologists must strive to protect the rights and total welfare of those with whom they interact professionally. It comprises of the clients they see in clinical practice, research animals as well as experiments. Hence they strive to eliminate bias and prejudice that influence their work.
Fidelity and Responsibility
Psychologists have a moral obligation to help and ensure that other people working in their profession do uphold high ethical standards hence must participate in ethical compliance and conduct of colleagues.
Principle of Integrity
Psychologists should never deceive in case of research and practice; hence must ensure transparency and honesty in their practice.
Justice
Justice entails the responsibility to be fair and impartial as people have a right to access and benefit from opportunities and advances made in the psychology field.
Principle of respect for rights and dignity
The right to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy must be ensured hence eliminate bias like gender, race as well as religion.
Ethical standards are essential as it provides guidelines and information on how to resolve ethical situations that psychologists encounter when they execute their duties. This includes competence, privacy, and confidentiality, record keeping, education and training, assessment as well as therapy.
Ethical standards and principles should guide psychologists as they interact with their clients since psychology is not free from ethical controversy. Confidentiality should be highly upheld to provide a safe environment for clients to discuss their issues without fear. As well the psychologists must ensure to be of informed consent to provide a wide variety of services.