Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion The Apasethical P

Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion The Apasethical Principle

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017) in its entirety, paying special attention to Standards 8 and 10 that cover ethics in research and therapeutic practice. Oftentimes research methods courses discuss the ethics of research and focus on historic examples of unethical research studies. This discussion of ethics will involve a different focus. The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct presents information on ethical standards and expectations that apply to specific situations, including therapy and research. For this discussion, 1) Explain the differences between the ethical standards for clients being treated by psychologists in counseling sessions and the standards for conducting psychological research with human participants. 2) Describe the parts of the Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct you expect to relate directly to your future career. Include the section numbers of the parts of the code you discuss. 3) Select and provide the number for one ethical requirement that applies specifically to psychological research and briefly summarize the standard. 4) Explain why this requirement may not apply to a therapy situation.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical standards set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA) serve as fundamental guidelines that psychologists must adhere to whether engaging in clinical practice or conducting research. While both domains prioritize the well-being, dignity, and rights of individuals, they are governed by different standards tailored to the unique demands of each context. Understanding the distinctions is vital for aspiring psychologists who aim to uphold integrity and professionalism in all aspects of their work.

Differences Between Ethical Standards in Therapy and Research

In clinical practice, the APA Ethical Principles emphasize the importance of beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity, and responsibility, integrity, justice, and respect for people's rights and dignity (APA, 2017, Standard 3). For example, psychologists treating clients are obligated to ensure confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and provide services solely within their competence (Standard 10.01). These standards prioritize the therapeutic relationship, emphasizing informed consent, privacy, and the therapist’s responsibility to avoid harm.

Conversely, research ethics focus heavily on ensuring the safety, rights, and welfare of research participants. Standards such as informed consent (Standard 8.02), confidentiality, and risk management are meticulously applied, but with additional considerations for scientific integrity and societal benefit (APA, 2017). Researchers are also expected to minimize deception unless justified, and provide debriefing after the study (Standard 8.07). There is a clear emphasis on ensuring voluntary participation and the right to withdraw, with specific safeguards for vulnerable populations.

Part of the Ethical Principles Relevant to Future Careers

In my future career as a psychologist, I expect to relate most closely to several sections of the APA Ethical Principles. For example, Standard 3, “Human Relations,” emphasizes respect for people's rights and dignity, which underpins both clinical and research activities. Standard 4, “Privacy and Confidentiality,” is crucial for maintaining trust in therapy and ensuring ethical research practices. Additionally, Standard 10 on therapy ethics, such as obtaining informed consent (10.01), and maintaining competence (10.10), will directly influence my clinical practice.

A Specific Ethical Requirement in Psychological Research

An important standard applicable specifically to research is Standard 8.02, “Informed Consent to Research,” which states that psychologists must obtain informed consent from research participants after providing sufficient information about the nature of the research, potential risks, and the right to withdraw without penalty. This process ensures that participants voluntarily agree to partake, understanding all relevant aspects.

Why This Standard May Not Apply to Therapy

This particular research standard may not be directly applicable in a therapy situation because clinicians often do not seek informed consent in the same formalized manner used in research. In therapy, consent is typically obtained at intake, where clients agree to confidentiality and the nature of ongoing treatment, which is a continuous process thereof rather than a one-time explicit consent for a specific activity. While the principle of informed consent remains vital, its procedures are adapted to the therapeutic context, and the standard’s strict emphasis on detailed disclosures before participation is less relevant once the initial consent is in place. Moreover, therapist-client confidentiality and informed consent are intertwined, but the procedures differ, considering the ongoing, individualized nature of therapy compared to the one-time consent process in research.

Conclusion

In sum, the ethical standards for psychologists vary between clinical practice and research, reflecting the different responsibilities and risks involved in each domain. Understanding and adhering to these standards is essential for demonstrating professionalism, respecting individuals’ rights, and maintaining public trust in psychological science and practice.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code

American Psychological Association. (2010). Guidelines for research ethics. American Psychologist, 65(8), 821-832.

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.

Fiske, S. T., & Dupree, C. (2014). Prejudice in the Modern World. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 271–299.

Resnik, D. B. (2012). The ethics of research with human subjects: Protecting research participants. American Journal of Bioethics, 12(2), 5–11.

Sieber, J. E. (2014). Planning ethically responsible research. Springer.

Thompson, S. B. (2015). Ethical issues in psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 71(11), 1122-1130.

Wendler, D., & Emanuel, E. J. (2002). Standard of informed consent. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 30(4), 425–430.

Yale University. (2022). Ethical considerations in psychological research. Retrieved from https://your.yale.edu

Zhang, T., & Kock, N. (2019). Ethical considerations for psychological research. Journal of Research Ethics, 15(3), 135-147.