Ethical Decision-Making Model

ethical Decision Making Model

Making moral or ethical decisions in forensic psychology is of concern to academics and practitioners. Many intentional and unintentional factors can contribute to clear misconduct or ethically questionable conduct when psychologists are addressing ethical issues. However, they can prevent such problems from succeeding and ensure adherence to high standards by committing to ethical ideals that are meant to resolve ethical challenges (Neal, 2010). Several ethical-decision-making models have been provided to help psychologists arrive at ethical decisions in various settings, including that proposed by Bush et al. (2006).

Most of the previous models emphasized on five valuable steps of decision-making that included the “identification of the problem, development of alternatives, evaluation of alternatives, implementation of the best option, and evaluation of the results” (Neal, 2010). However, the models could not adequately address situational and emotional factors, or the urgency to respond to certain situations. Emotional and situational factors may influence the psychologist’s interventions, and thus the need for a psychologist to indulge in self-care activities, realize when his personal emotional needs inhibit sound judgment and stay focused to face situational pressures (Neal, 2010). Psychologists also need to anticipate potential ethical challenges and develop a course of action that they can implement when needed, which may best address the need for urgent responses to certain situations.

Therefore, Bush et al. (2006) considered these factors that the earlier model did not recognize in their proposed eight steps ethical decision-making model while still retaining the previous five. The first step involves identifying the problem. Forensic psychologists may find this step easy when dealing with clearly ethical or unethical behavior (Bush et al., 2006). However, ethical decision-making models often involve behaviors that are ambiguous and may require practitioners to parse out ethical, moral, legal, and professional perspectives to clarify the ethical dilemma. The second step entails examining the significance of the context and setting.

Some ethical rules that are appropriate in one context or setting may be inappropriate or less relevant in others. Therefore, psychologists should first consider whether they are competent in the setting or context proposing the issues to determine if they can work the case through all relevant stages. The third step requires practitioners to identify and utilize ethical and legal resources (Bush et al., 2006). It needs them to implement the general rule from published resources to specific cases, and many find the step challenging since different resources may offer conflicting guidance to solving ethical issues. Psychologists need to assess the foundational values underlying a given law or ethical standard such as the right to sufficient healthcare to help arrive at the appropriate course of action.

They must also have adequate knowledge of the laws that regulate their profession and the relevant Codes of Ethics. The fourth step recommends psychologists evaluate their personal beliefs and values to understand their biases and assess the impact these factors have on their decision making. They may sometimes rely on personal values and beliefs rather than professional ethics, which may reduce their impartiality and objectivity. The fifth step entails coming up with possible solutions to the problem. It is important for practitioners to outline all possible solutions and then impartially choose the one that holds the least risk and the greatest benefit to the client and society at large (Bush et al., 2006).

Once they have developed all the possible decisions, the sixth step involves considering the potential consequences of all of them, both positive and negative. Ethical decision-making models require psychologists to weigh the benefits and risks before deciding on the most ethical and positive option for solving the problem. The seventh step involves choosing and implementing a course of action. It is critical to determine the most appropriate time to apply the course of action to realize the most significant result. Finally, psychologists must do a follow-up to evaluate the outcome and implement changes where necessary (Bush et al., 2006).

Since the chosen decision may not be satisfactory to all the parties involved, the psychologist should be willing to acknowledge and accept criticism and respond to it appropriately. Similarly, they must assess the effectiveness of their own decision and implement changes as needed. Bush et al. (2006) emphasized the need for psychologists to develop a sense of divergence when facing conflicts of interest to elicit ethicality and be valuable to the legal system. The model touches all codes and guidelines outlined in both The Forensic Psychologists’ Specialty Guidelines and APA Ethics Code when solving an ethical problem (Swanepoel, 2010). The decision-making process strategically analyzes the importance of reducing bias and acknowledges the potential adverse impacts of personal beliefs and values.

Additionally, the model highlights the importance of maintaining objectivity, which can help practitioners understand the scenario’s setting and context and determine their appropriateness for addressing it. However, the model has limitations. Some psychologists perceive the lengthy process as redundant and unnecessary, especially since many steps overlap or seem repetitive; for example, steps five, six, and seven all revolve around choosing the best solution and evaluating consequences. Nonetheless, the model encourages psychologists to consider all angles, promoting solutions driven by ethical motivation rather than personal bias.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical decision-making is a fundamental aspect of forensic psychology, requiring practitioners to navigate complex moral, legal, and professional standards to serve their clients and society effectively. The multifaceted nature of ethical dilemmas in forensic settings necessitates robust frameworks to guide psychologists in making decisions that uphold integrity, objectivity, and professionalism. One influential model is Bush et al.'s (2006) eight-step ethical decision-making process, which extends traditional models by incorporating emotional, situational, and contextual considerations critical to forensic contexts.

Initially, ethical decision-making models emphasize basic steps—problem identification, development of alternatives, and evaluation—aimed at structuring moral deliberation. However, they often fall short in addressing acute emotional responses, situational pressures, and urgent response needs that forensic psychologists routinely face. Neal (2010) underscores the importance of these additional factors, suggesting that psychologists must engage in self-care, recognize potential biases driven by personal beliefs, and develop contingency plans to handle emergencies without compromising ethical standards.

Bush et al.'s (2006) model, therefore, advances ethical decision-making by expanding upon these foundational steps. Its first step—problem identification—is straightforward in clear-cut cases but can be ambiguous in complex scenarios where ethical, legal, and moral considerations intertwine. Such ambiguity requires psychologists to analyze the context thoroughly, assessing whether they possess the competence to address the ethical issues involved (Bush et al., 2006). The second step involves examining the specific setting or context to determine the relevance and applicability of applicable ethical rules, recognizing that rules may vary or conflict depending on the circumstances.

Subsequently, practitioners are instructed to utilize relevant ethical and legal resources, which includes consulting professional codes, legal statutes, and scholarly literature (Bush et al., 2006). This step challenges psychologists to navigate conflicting guidance, demanding critical assessment of foundational values and norms underlying laws and standards. The fourth step emphasizes introspection—evaluating personal beliefs, biases, and values—to ensure objectivity and prevent personal morals from unduly influencing professional judgment.

The fifth step encourages a comprehensive exploration of possible solutions, aiming to identify those with minimal risks and maximal benefits. This process involves creative problem-solving and neutral analysis of alternatives, considering varied perspectives to ensure balanced decisions (Bush et al., 2006). Once options are generated, psychologists are to evaluate consequences—both positive and negative—and weigh these implications carefully (sixth step). This risk-benefit analysis ensures that decisions are ethically sound and socially responsible.

Following careful evaluation, the seventh step involves the implementation of the chosen course of action, with attention to timing and context to maximize effectiveness. The final step—follow-up—serves as a feedback mechanism, allowing psychologists to assess outcomes, execute necessary adjustments, and accept criticism constructively. Importantly, this iterative process fosters ongoing ethical awareness and professional growth.

Despite its comprehensiveness, Bush et al.'s (2006) model is not without limitations. Critics point to its length and perceived redundancy—particularly since the latter steps often converge conceptually—potentially leading to a cumbersome decision-making process (Swanepoel, 2010). Nonetheless, the model's emphasis on exhaustive analysis and contextual awareness underscores its value in forensic psychology, where ethical challenges are often nuanced and high-stakes.

In conclusion, ethical decision-making in forensic psychology demands a structured yet flexible process that incorporates emotional intelligence, contextual understanding, and professional standards. Bush et al.'s (2006) eight-step model offers a comprehensive framework that guides psychologists through complex dilemmas, promoting objectivity, ethical integrity, and a thorough evaluation of consequences. By embracing such models, forensic psychologists can better navigate the moral intricacies of their work, ensuring decisions serve justice and uphold the dignity of their profession.

References

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