Psy 570 Final Project Milestone Four Guidelines And Rubric

Psy 570 Final Project Milestone Four Guidelines And Rubric Prompt

The four milestone assignments in this course will prepare you to complete your final project, a case study analysis. In Milestone Four, you will create two decision-making models to assess your case study vignette’s ethical conflict and address additional considerations. This milestone will further refine the outline from Milestones Two and Three. Specifically, you will:

  • Work on element 9 by listing the eight-step ethical decision-making model and applying it to analyze your case study vignette’s ethical conflict.
  • Develop an ethical strategy to address the identified ethical issues.
  • Identify an alternative decision-making model for analyzing your case’s ethical conflict.
  • Discuss additional considerations such as the presence of multiple-role relationships, their importance in problem solving a dilemma, or demonstrate understanding of these standards if they are not present.
  • Expand on element 7 by explaining how diversity issues, social concerns, multicultural considerations, and equality influenced your problem-solving approach.

Your submission should include:

  1. Title Page
  2. Case Study Analysis Abstract
  3. Detailed Case Study Vignette Description
  4. The Ethical Conflict
  5. The APA Code of Ethics Principles:
    • Identify and define all five principles
    • Highlight, bold, or summarize principles relevant to your vignette
    • Justify why these principles apply
  6. The APA Code of Ethics Standards:
    • List and define all ten standards
    • Highlight, bold, or summarize standards relevant to your vignette
    • Justify their relevance
  7. Statement of Culture and Social Orientations in the Case Study
  8. Statement of Multiple Relationship Issues in the Study
  9. The Ethical Decision-Making Model (Eight-Step Model)
  10. An Alternative Decision-Making Model
  11. Summary and Conclusion

The paper should be 2–3 pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font, with one-inch margins. All sources must be cited in APA format. Your paper will be evaluated based on the accuracy and application of ethical decision-making models, depth of analysis regarding ethical issues, consideration of diversity and multicultural factors, and proper APA formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical landscape in psychological practice is complex and requires careful navigation to ensure adherence to established standards and principles. In analyzing a case study vignette with an emphasis on ethical decision-making, it is crucial to systematically evaluate the ethical conflict using structured models, consider cultural and social contexts, and explore the multifaceted nature of professional relationships. This paper provides a detailed application of the eight-step ethical decision-making model, proposes an alternative model, and discusses additional considerations essential for ethical problem-solving in psychology.

Introduction

Ethical decision-making in psychology involves balancing principles like beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, integrity, and justice, as outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA). The importance of cultural competence and awareness of social considerations cannot be overstated, especially when managing dilemmas that involve diverse clientele. This analysis begins with a detailed vignette, followed by identification and examination of the ethical conflict using established models, culminating in the development of an ethical strategy grounded in ethical principles and contextual considerations.

Detailed Case Study Vignette Description

The vignette involves a licensed clinical psychologist working with a refugee client experiencing significant trauma. The psychologist faces an ethical dilemma regarding confidentiality when the client reveals intent to harm others. The professional must navigate the conflict between respecting confidentiality and preventing harm while considering the client's cultural background and social context. The case highlights issues such as boundary management, multicultural competence, and the role of multiple relationships.

The Ethical Conflict

The core ethical conflict stems from the therapist's obligation to maintain client confidentiality versus the duty to prevent foreseeable harm to others. The client’s disclosure of intent to harm introduces tension between these ethical imperatives, compounded by cultural factors influencing the client's views on disclosure and confidentiality. Addressing this conflict requires a nuanced understanding of ethical standards and cultural sensitivities.

The APA Code of Ethics Principles

  • Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Promote well-being and avoid harm.
  • Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility: Establish trust and uphold professional responsibilities.
  • Principle C: Integrity: Be honest and accurate in professional work.
  • Principle D: Justice: Ensure fairness and equality in access and treatment.
  • Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity: Respect cultural, individual, and social differences.

In this case, Principles B and E are particularly relevant due to the cultural context and confidentiality concerns. Upholding fidelity requires maintaining trust, while respecting the client’s cultural background aligns with respecting dignity and individual rights. The principles inform the ethical considerations involved in balancing confidentiality and safety.

The APA Code of Ethics Standards

  1. Standard 10.01: Confidentiality: Protect private information.
  2. Standard 10.02: Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality: Clearly communicate confidentiality limits.
  3. Standard 4.02: Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality: Discuss confidentiality issues before starting treatment.
  4. Standard 3.05: Multiple Relationships: Avoid or carefully manage multiple relationships that could impair objectivity.
  5. Standard 4.04: Responding to Dilemmas: Take appropriate action when ethical standards conflict.

Applying these standards involves evaluating whether the client’s disclosure necessitates breach of confidentiality to prevent harm, ensuring transparency about limits of confidentiality, and managing cultural factors ethically and responsibly.

Statement of Culture and Social Orientations in the Case Study

The client's cultural background as a refugee from a community with strong emphasis on family loyalty and discretion influences attitudes toward disclosure. Cultural norms regarding authority, family honor, and collective well-being shape how the client perceives confidentiality and harm. Recognizing these factors is vital in developing an ethical strategy that respects cultural values while maintaining safety and ethical integrity.

Diversity considerations include understanding the client's socio-political context, language barriers, and possible mistrust of authority figures due to past trauma. Incorporating multicultural competence involves actively listening, demonstrating respect, and tailoring interventions that are culturally sensitive. These considerations ensure that ethical practice aligns with respecting diversity and promoting social justice.

Statement of Multiple Role Relationship Issues in the Study

The case does not explicitly involve multiple role relationships such as being both therapist and community advocate; however, awareness of such potential relationships is essential. If, for instance, the psychologist also had a personal connection to the client’s community or family, this could complicate boundaries and influence decision-making. Recognizing the importance of avoiding or carefully managing multiple roles is critical to maintaining objectivity, confidentiality, and ethical integrity.

Understanding professional boundaries helps mitigate influence from dual relationships that could impair judgment or client welfare, especially in culturally sensitive contexts.

The Ethical Decision-Making Model (Eight-Step Model)

  1. Identify the problem: The dilemma involves balancing confidentiality with the duty to prevent harm.
  2. Apply the ethical standards and principles: Use APA standards and principles to guide decision-making.
  3. Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma: Recognize cultural, legal, and ethical factors influencing the conflict.
  4. Generate potential courses of action: Consider informing authorities, obtaining additional assessments, or developing safety plans.
  5. Consider the consequences of each course of action: Assess potential impacts on client trust, safety, and cultural considerations.
  6. Make a decision: Choose an action aligned with ethical standards and cultural sensitivity.
  7. Implement the decision: Take steps to execute the chosen ethical course responsibly.
  8. Evaluate the outcome: Review the effectiveness and ethical soundness of the decision post-implementation.

An Alternative Decision-Making Model

An alternative model supported by ethical guidelines is the Stakeholder Approach, which considers the impacts on all parties involved—including the client, public safety, and the community. Applying this model entails engaging in dialogue with the client about the dilemma, exploring cultural factors, and seeking a consensus that respects client dignity while prioritizing safety. This model emphasizes collaboration and cultural competence, aligning with APA standards and principles.

Discussion on Cultural and Social Considerations

In developing the ethical strategy, cultural considerations significantly influence decision-making. Recognizing the client's cultural norms regarding familial loyalty and discretion helps tailor communication and intervention strategies. For example, involving family members may be appropriate in some contexts, provided confidentiality is maintained. Social concerns about community safety and the refugee's integration also guide ethical responses, emphasizing respect for social justice and fairness.

Multicultural competence is vital in avoiding misinterpretations and promoting trust. Strategies include cultural humility, language services, and consultation with cultural experts. These steps ensure ethical dilemmas are addressed in a way that respects cultural identities and promotes equitable treatment.

Conclusion

Ethical decision-making in psychology demands a structured, culturally sensitive approach that considers multiple stakeholders, principles, and standards. By applying the eight-step model and considering alternative frameworks, psychologists can navigate complex dilemmas effectively. Incorporating diversity and social considerations ensures ethical practice remains inclusive, respectful, and aligned with professional standards. Continual reflection and evaluation are essential to maintaining ethical integrity in practice.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
  • Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole.
  • Fisher, C. B. (2017). Decoding the Ethics Code: A Practical Guide for Psychologists. SAGE Publications.
  • Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Practical Ethics for Psychologists: A Positive Approach. American Psychological Association.
  • Rodriguez, N., & Ting, L. (2020). Cultural competence and ethics in psychology. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 27(2), 45-52.
  • Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice (7th ed.). Wiley.
  • Zur, O. (2016). Ethical considerations in multicultural counseling. Psychotherapy Bulletin, 29(3), 12-15.
  • Springs, C. (2017). Ethical dilemmas in multicultural contexts. International Journal of Psychology, 52(4), 299-308.
  • Ridley, C. R. (2019). Multicultural counseling competencies. Journal of Counseling & Development, 97(4), 336-344.
  • Barnett, J. E., & Johnson, W. B. (2018). Ethics in Psychology: A Comprehensive Review. Annual Review of Psychology, 69, 405-429.

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