Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion Be Sure To 782025
Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion Be Sure To Read the Requir
Prior to beginning work on this discussion, be sure to read the required articles for this week. You are a consulting psychologist for a local clinic and have been asked to review an ethically complex case. Please review the PSY699 Week four discussion case file for detailed information on the case under review. In your initial post, explain how the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct can be used to guide decisions in this ethically complex situation. Provide a suggested course of action for the clinic staff.
Given the daughter’s age and the situation presented, integrate concepts developed from different psychological content domains to support your suggested course of action. Be certain to use evidence-based psychological concepts and theories to support your arguments. You may wish to consider the following questions as you construct your post. Does the daughter have a right to know her diagnosis? Does the mother have a right to not disclose the diagnosis to her daughter? Does the mother have a right to privacy regarding her own diagnosis, which could be threatened if her daughter learns of her own status? Should the staff tell the daughter if the mother does not want her to know? If the daughter wants to know more about her condition, what should the staff say? Are there other approaches the staff can take? If so, what are they? Is further information required in order for you to create an ethically sound suggested course of action?
Paper For Above instruction
In the complex case presented, where ethical considerations intertwine with clinical decision-making, the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct serve as foundational guidelines for navigating sensitive issues related to confidentiality, autonomy, and beneficence. The scenario involves a minor daughter, her mother, and the healthcare professionals, each with rights and responsibilities that must be balanced carefully to ensure ethical integrity and optimal clinical outcomes.
The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Ethical Principles emphasize several core values, including beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibility, respect for people's rights and dignity, and justice (APA, 2017). These principles guide psychologists to promote the well-being of clients, respect confidentiality, and uphold honesty in professional relationships. In this case, the primary ethical dilemma revolves around whether to disclose the daughter’s diagnosis, the mother’s right to privacy, and how to respect these competing interests while ensuring that the child's rights and well-being are protected.
Applying Ethical Principles to the Case
The principle of beneficence underscores the importance of acting in the best interest of both the child and the parent. When considering disclosure, psychologists must evaluate whether revealing information will benefit the daughter’s mental health or potentially cause harm. Conversely, nonmaleficence warns against causing unnecessary psychological distress or violating confidentiality. Respect for clients’ autonomy becomes nuanced in cases involving minors; ethical guidelines recognize parents’ rights to make health decisions for their children but also emphasize the child's developing autonomy and right to information as they age (Norfolk & Sands, 2019).
The issue of confidentiality is central. According to the APA, psychologists must maintain confidentiality unless there is a risk of serious harm or legal obligation to disclose (APA, 2017). In this context, if revealing the diagnosis poses a psychological risk to the daughter or infringes on the mother’s privacy, these factors must be balanced with the ethical obligation to provide age-appropriate information.
Guidelines for Decision-Making
Based on the APA Code and core ethical principles, the recommended course of action involves a nuanced, developmentally appropriate approach. The clinic staff should consider engaging in a psychosocial assessment that evaluates the daughter's maturity, understanding, and preferences regarding her health information. If deemed appropriate, the staff could facilitate a family-centered discussion that respects the mother’s wishes about disclosure while gradually providing the daughter with age-appropriate information about her health status.
One approach supported by psychological theories is the concept of informed assent, which involves involving minors in decisions about their health in an age-appropriate manner (Vollmann et al., 2021). This respects the child's emerging autonomy while acknowledging parental authority. The principles of developmental psychology highlight that older children and adolescents can comprehend complex medical information and benefit from honest, age-appropriate communication (Sandler et al., 2019).
Supporting Psychological Concepts and Theories
Cognitive development theories suggest that children around the age of 10 and above develop concrete operational thinking, enabling them to understand medical diagnoses with appropriate explanations (Piaget, 1952). Applying this, the staff could tailor their communication strategies to support understanding while minimizing potential distress (Vollmann et al., 2021). Additionally, principles from family systems theory highlight the importance of involving family members collaboratively, fostering trust, and minimizing familial conflict (Bowen, 1978).
Furthermore, principles of trauma-informed care emphasize the importance of minimizing distress, respecting privacy, and promoting empowerment (Sweeney et al., 2018). Approaching the situation with sensitivity and clear communication can help reduce anxiety and foster trust between the client and clinicians.
Additional Considerations
The decision-making process should also consider cultural, social, and individual factors that influence perception and acceptance of health information. For instance, cultural norms concerning family privacy and communication styles may impact the process of disclosure (Harvey et al., 2020). The staff should seek additional information about the family dynamics, the daughter's psychological resilience, and the mother's perspectives to craft an ethically sound approach.
Ultimately, the staff might adopt a staged disclosure process—initially providing supportive counseling, then gradually sharing more detailed information aligned with the daughter’s developmental level and emotional readiness. The possibility of involving a multidisciplinary team, including a pediatric psychologist or counselor, can provide comprehensive support and facilitate ethically sound decision-making (Kerr et al., 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethical decision-making in this sensitive case necessitates careful balancing of rights, responsibilities, and professional guidelines. Guided by the APA’s Principles and Code of Conduct, the clinic staff should prioritize the child’s psychological well-being while respecting parental privacy and fostering an environment of trust. Employing evidence-based strategies rooted in developmental psychology, family systems theory, and trauma-informed care can facilitate an ethically sound course of action that respects all parties involved. Ultimately, ongoing assessment, transparent communication, and a collaborative approach will best serve the child's health and rights in this complex scenario.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
- Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. Jason Aronson.
- Harvey, G., et al. (2020). Cultural considerations in pediatric health communication. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 45(2), 141-150.
- Kerr, A., et al. (2019). Multidisciplinary approaches to pediatric diagnosis disclosure. Pediatric Healthcare, 33(4), 245-253.
- Norfork, P., & Sands, N. (2019). Ethical considerations in pediatric health decisions. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 24(3), 160-170.
- Sandler, A. B., et al. (2019). Developmental psychology and medical decision-making in children. Journal of Child Psychology, 60(7), 837-850.
- Sweeney, A., et al. (2018). Trauma-informed care in mental health settings. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 824-829.
- Vollmann, J., et al. (2021). Informed assent and pediatric autonomy. Journal of Medical Ethics, 47(2), 125-128.