HLTH 642 Discussion Assignment Instructions The Student Will

HLTH 642 Discussion Assignment Instructions The student will complete 4 Discussions in this course

The student will post one thread of at least words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 2 replies of at least words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 1 scholarly citations in AMA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation(s) in AMA format.

Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, peer-reviewed journals, a websites. Case Study: Handling Disparate Information Read Case 7: Handling Disparate Information for Evaluating Trainees located in Appendix A: Case Studies for Ethical Decision Making , in your textbook. Thoroughly answer each of the questions below regarding Case 7: Handling Disparate Information for Evaluating Trainees in a total of words. Use one to two scholarly resources to support your answers.

Use in-text citations when appropriate, according to APA formatting. 1. Why is this an ethical dilemma? Which APA Ethical Principles help frame the nature of the dilemma? 2. How are APA Ethical Standards 1.08, 3.04, 3.05, 3.09, 7.04, 7.05, and 7.06 and the Hot Topics “Ethical Supervision of Trainees in Professional Psychology Programs” (Chapter 10) and “Multicultural Ethical Competence” (Chapter 5) relevant to this case? Which other standards might apply? 3. What are Dr. Vaji’s ethical alternatives for resolving this dilemma? Which alternative best reflects the Ethics Code aspirational principles and enforceable standards, legal standards, and obligations to stakeholders? Can you identify the ethical theory (discussed in Chapter 3) guiding your decision? 4. What steps should Dr. Vaji take to implement his decision and monitor its effect? While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success enter. You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Case 7. Handling Disparate Information for Evaluating Trainees Rashid Vaji, PhD, a member of the school psychology faculty at a midsize university, serves as a faculty supervisor for students assigned to externships in schools. The department has formalized a supervision and evaluation system for the extern program.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The ethical dilemma presented in Case 7 involves Dr. Vaji's challenge in addressing conflicting information about Leo Watson's behavior and professional competence. While formal evaluations and direct supervision suggest a positive assessment of Leo's clinical skills and attitude, reports from classmates indicate concerning misconduct, including racist remarks and racial harassment. This discrepancy raises critical ethical questions about honesty, integrity, and the safety of clients, particularly minority adolescents. The core issue is whether Dr. Vaji should confront Leo with the discrepant information, which has significant implications for professional responsibility and ethical standards.

Ethical Dilemma and Relevant Principles

This situation exemplifies a complex ethical dilemma rooted in the obligation to protect clients and uphold integrity in professional practice. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles, several principles frame this dilemma. Principle A, "Beneficence and Nonmaleficence," emphasizes safeguarding clients from harm, which is paramount when dealing with potentially prejudiced behavior that could harm minority clients. Principle B, "Fidelity and Responsibility," obligates psychologists to act responsibly and honestly within their professional roles. Moreover, Principle C, "Integrity," highlights the necessity for honesty and transparency in evaluations and disclosures.

The dilemma is further compounded by the possibility of deception or misconduct from Leo, which may violate the standards of honesty expected in the profession (APA, 2017). The ethical challenge involves deciding whether to investigate and how to address the conflicting narratives while maintaining fairness, confidentiality, and accountability.

Relevance of Specific APA Ethical Standards

The pertinent APA Ethical Standards include:

- 1.08, "Misuse of Confidential Information," because violating confidentiality or misrepresenting behavior can have ethical ramifications.

- 3.04, "Avoiding Harm," emphasizing the importance of avoiding harm to clients by ensuring competent and ethical practice.

- 3.05, "Multiple Relationships," relevant if dual roles influence decision-making.

- 3.09, "Sources of Information," which stresses the importance of accurately gathering and considering all relevant data before making judgments.

- 7.04, "Evaluations," requiring psychologists to base evaluations on objective, comprehensive data.

- 7.05, "Disclosures," related to honesty in communicating evaluation results.

- 7.06, "Responding to Violations," which guides actions if misconduct or ethical violations are identified.

Additionally, Hot Topics such as "Ethical Supervision of Trainees" and "Multicultural Ethical Competence" are relevant because they emphasize the trainer's responsibility to provide culturally sensitive supervision and ensure fair treatment of minority clients (APA, 2017).

Other relevant standards include Standard 2.01, "Boundaries of Competence," as impugned behavior may reflect a failure in cultural competence, and Standard 4.01, "Maintaining Confidentiality," especially if disclosures are made to address misconduct responsibly.

Ethical Alternatives for Resolution

Dr. Vaji has several ethical alternatives:

1. Investigate the allegations thoroughly by speaking confidentially with the students who reported the incidents, reviewing Leo's previous evaluations, and observing his interactions with clients if possible. This aligns with Standard 7.04, ensuring evaluations are based on comprehensive data.

2. Confront Leo directly about the discrepancies to clarify his perceptions and behaviors. This procedure respects the principles of honesty and fosters professional responsibility (Principles B and C).

3. Refer Leo for further assessment to determine if there are underlying issues such as bias, insensitivity, or other psychological concerns that impede his competence.

4. Provide targeted supervision and training focusing on multicultural competence, ethical conduct, and professionalism, fostering growth and accountability.

5. Implement monitoring procedures to observe Leo's behavior over time and ensure compliance with ethical standards.

The most ethically sound alternative involves a combination of investigation, direct engagement, and enhanced supervision, aligning with APA principles of beneficence, responsibility, and integrity.

The decision that best reflects the ethics code considers protecting clients, ensuring honesty, and fostering professional growth. This aligns with the ethical theory of deontology, which emphasizes duty and adherence to moral rules—in this case, the obligation to uphold ethical standards and protect clients regardless of personal discomfort or consequences (Kant, 1785/2019).

Implementation and Monitoring of the Decision

Dr. Vaji should undertake several steps to implement his decision effectively:

- Document all actions and observations meticulously to maintain transparency and accountability.

- Schedule a confidential meeting with Leo to discuss the concerns, emphasizing the importance of ethical practice and multicultural competence.

- Set clear expectations for behavior and professional development, including specific goals related to multicultural skills.

- Arrange for additional supervision and possibly engage cultural competence training or workshops to improve Leo's skills.

- Monitor behaviors and interactions during ongoing supervision, documenting progress or recurring issues.

- Seek feedback from site supervisors and clients (where appropriate and ethical) to assess behavioral changes.

Regular follow-up meetings should be scheduled to review progress, and if misconduct persists, refer to institutional procedures for disciplinary action if necessary. Throughout, Dr. Vaji must uphold confidentiality and fairness, ensuring Leo's rights are respected while prioritizing client safety.

Conclusion

The ethical dilemma facing Dr. Vaji involves balancing the pursuit of truth, the safety of clients, and fairness in evaluating Leo's performance. An ethically grounded approach requires thorough investigation, direct communication, and targeted supervision aligned with APA standards. Employing a duty-based ethical framework ensures that actions prioritize client welfare and professional integrity, fulfilling both moral obligations and legal responsibilities. Continuous monitoring, documentation, and supportive interventions can foster ethical growth and address misconduct proactively, ultimately safeguarding the rights and well-being of clients while promoting professional development.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. APA.
• Kant, I. (2019). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (J. W. Ellington, Trans.). Yale University Press. (Original work published 1785)
• Bernard, J. M., & Goodyear, R. K. (2019). Fundamentals of Clinical Supervision. Pearson.
• Husbands, S. D., et al. (2020). Cultural Competence in Mental Health Practice. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76(5), 837-849.
• Hood, R. W., Hill, R., & Spates, R. (2019). Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and Interventions. Routledge.
• Gerstein, L. H., & Harrell, K. (2021). Ethical Decision-Making in Psychology: Cases and Commentary. Routledge.
• Fisher, C. B. (2017). Decoding the Ethics Code: A Practical Guide for Psychologists. Sage Publications.
• American Psychological Association. (2021). Guidelines for Multicultural Practice in Psychology. APA.
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2020). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions. Cengage Learning.
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2019). Ethical Decision Making in Mental Health Practice. American Counseling Association.