Brian 1.1
What was the central purpose for developing the first APA Ethics Code? Was that purpose accomplished? Why or why not? Why were revisions to the code deemed necessary in 2002? How did those revisions affect the ethical principles of the code?
The first APA Ethics Code was designed by using the Central Incident Report method (Joyce & Rankin, 2010) to provide assistance to psychologists as they faced ethical dilemmas in their practice. It took more than 60 years from the time that the organization was established to create consensus that there was a need for professional standards. During the same time period, other medical practices, which had long standing codes of ethics, questioned the ability and motivation of the field of psychology. The purpose of the original draft of the APA Ethics code was a set of samples of the ethical problems that a practitioner may encounter. The challenges that it did create was that it was a long document, only gave samples and was vague. Due to this, the purpose was accomplished however, many saw the need for immediate revisions. In 2002, the 10th revision was made to the Ethics Code. With the increasing use of technology, it was determined that there was a need for a revision that would cover the use of electronic transmission of information, which also impacted HIPPA laws (Knapp & VandeCreek, 2003). In addition, informed consent was defined and procedures were introduced. Anytime that revisions have been made, it was to deal with the changing scope of the practice and to strengthen the code itself. The APA Code of Ethics will continue to evolve as a working document and I will remain the responsibility of the practitioner to stay abreast of the changes.
References
Joyce, N. R., & Rankin, T. J. (2010). The lessons of the development of the first APA Ethics Code: Blending science, practice and politics. Ethics & Behavior, 6, 466-481.
Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2003). An overview of the major changes in the 2002 APA Ethics Code. Professional Pscyhology: Research and Practice, 34(3), 301-308.
Maren Alitagtag
1 posts
Re:Module 1 DQ 1
What was the central purpose for developing the first APA Ethics Code? Was that purpose accomplished? Why or why not? Why were revisions to the code deemed necessary in 2002? How did those revisions affect the ethical principles of the code?
Developing a code of ethics is usually a response to a need that has been uncovered based on questions regarding certain practices or incidents that have happened within the field of practice. I read an article regarding the history of the code of ethics that stated several purposes for developing a code of ethics, including public perception, issues regarding certification, and protection of clients (Joyce & Rankin, 2010). The APA felt it was important to present a unified front in order to grow as a profession. In that regard, I feel they were successful, because ethics and ethical codes are now well known and taught within all Psychology programs. According to this same article, changes that happened in 2002 were mainly put in place due to the technology advances that have changed our means of communication (Joyce & Rankin, 2010). I feel that the changes to the code were necessary and continue to protect the needs and rights of the clients served. Personally, while I think ethical codes are necessary, I also feel that sometimes they bring issues that are difficult to resolve. The commonly discussed ethical dilemma, if you will. For instance, if I am working with a client and I do some testing that discovers some learning disabilities, the way that I report those results could actually do some harm to their self-esteem. However, not reporting the results is also unethical. This is why courses on ethics and continual revisions and discussions of ethical codes are necessary. Technology and social environment continue to evolve, which also necessitates the evolution of the ethical codes.
Joyce, N. R., & Rankin, T. J. (2010). The Lessons of the Development of the First APA Ethics Code: Blending Science, Practice, and Politics. Ethics & Behavior, 20(6), 466-481. doi:10.1080/10508422.2010.521448
Maren Alitagtag
1 posts
Re:Module 1 DQ 2
Modern society often espouses a complete differentiation between the professional and personal segments of an individual’s life. Is there an ethical separation between the personal and professional activities of the psychologist? Why or why not? What activities of the psychologist are affected by the APA Ethics Code?
This is an interesting question that deserves a story. I had a colleague at one time who had a dedicated caseload of those recovering from substance abuse. After a long week of work, she met some friends at a bar, and proceeded to drink more than she should have, according to her own report. Turns out she was being a bit loud and, well, drunk. One of her clients came into the bar and saw her behavior. There were several issues regarding this. As an adult, she is of course able and allowed to go to a bar and drink after work. However, her behavior was something that caused a client to be uncomfortable. At the same time, she saw the client in a place where the client should not be, as per their treatment plan. So she was left with her own ethical dilemma. Long term, she decided she would no longer go to bars in the town that she worked in. However, it shows that while yes, our personal and professional lives are separate, they can and do intersect. In one article I read, it discussed the difficulties of drawing a distinction between the personal and professional in many areas (Pipes et al, 2005). For instance, it discussed how voting is a very personal act, however, if a person openly campaigns for a candidate that espouses principles that may harm clients, it may be pushing a line. Using work time, resources, and influence to campaign for the candidate would in fact be crossing the line.
Pipes, R. B., Holstein, J. E., & Aguirre, M. G. (2005). Examining the personal-professional distinction: Ethics codes and the difficulty of drawing a boundary.American Psychologist, 60(4), 325-334. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.4.325
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