Psy2000 Unit 3A Ethics Principles Assignment Instructions

Psy2000unit 3as Ethics Principles Assignmentinstructions Students Wi

Students will read each scenario, identify which ethical principle and the standard(s) that apply to the scenario. Explain the principle and standard in your own words. Next the students will indicate whether the scenario is ethical and based on the principle and standards explain why or why not. Attach as a word document.

1. A counseling psychologist tells parents that their college age son expressed suicidal tendencies during a confidential communication. Is it ethical for the counselor to disclose this information? (25 points)

2. A client does not have enough money to pay his therapist so he asks if payment can be in the form of carpentry work for the therapist. Would it be ethical for the therapist to agree to this form of payment? (25 points)

3. The school psychologist conducted an assessment of a child without the child’s parents’/guardian’s consent. Is it ethical for the school psychologist to do this? (25 points)

4. The client was so difficult and disgusting, the therapist refused to continue therapy. Is it ethical for a therapist to terminate therapy under these conditions? (25 points)

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical principles guiding psychology are rooted in confidentiality, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and respect for persons, among others. These principles serve as a foundation for ethical decision-making in various scenarios encountered by psychologists and mental health professionals. A proper understanding of these principles and standards helps ensure that practitioners act responsibly, protect client welfare, and uphold the integrity of the profession.

Scenario 1: Confidentiality and Duty to Protect

The first scenario involves a counseling psychologist considering whether to disclose a college-aged son's suicidal tendencies to his parents. The primary ethical principle at stake here is confidentiality, balanced with the duty to protect and prevent harm. According to the American Psychological Association's (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, psychologists are committed to respecting client confidentiality but also have an obligation to take appropriate action when there is an imminent risk of harm (APA, 2017). The principle of beneficence emphasizes promoting client well-being, while nonmaleficence obligates psychologists to prevent harm. Disclosing suicidal tendencies without consent could breach confidentiality, but if the psychologist believes the client is at imminent risk of harm, disclosure to protect the client may be justified. In this case, it is ethically permissible to disclose the information to the parents if doing so aligns with the standard for duty to protect and is necessary to prevent harm (Barnes & Rodolfa, 2019). Therefore, with careful consideration and safeguarding measures, disclosure under these circumstances is ethically justified.

Scenario 2: Alternative Payment Methods

The second scenario questions whether it is ethical for a therapist to accept carpentry work as payment due to the client's financial inability. The principle of fidelity and professional integrity plays a key role here. The APA emphasizes that payment methods should not compromise the therapist's objectivity, the quality of care, or violate professional standards (APA, 2017). Bartering or exchange of services is common in some contexts, but it must be transparent, voluntary, and not exploitative. Accepting carpentry work could pose confidentiality issues if client information is involved or could compromise the professionalism of the therapeutic relationship. Moreover, such arrangements should be clearly documented and compliant with legal and ethical standards to avoid conflicts of interest. Given these considerations, if the barter agreement is ethical, transparent, and mutually agreed upon without exploiting the client, it could be deemed acceptable. However, professional standards recommend caution and consultation with ethical guidelines before proceeding (Garriga & Portela, 2011).

Scenario 3: Consent and Assessment Practices

The third scenario involves a school psychologist conducting an assessment without parental or guardian consent. Ethical standards demand informed consent before evaluation or intervention. According to the APA and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), obtaining parental consent is a fundamental ethical requirement unless specific legal exceptions apply (NASP, 2010). Performing an assessment without valid consent violates the principle of respect for persons and autonomy, risking harm to the child and breach of legal statutes. Such an act undermines trust and can be considered unethical. Exceptions are generally limited to emergencies, but even then, proper protocols must be followed. Therefore, conducting assessments without parental consent is unethical unless specific circumstances justify deviation, which should adhere to legal and ethical guidelines.

Scenario 4: Termination of Therapy

The fourth scenario questions whether it is ethical for a therapist to terminate therapy because the client was difficult and disgusting. The core ethical principle here is fidelity and responsibility, emphasizing that therapists must provide competent and continuous care unless ethical reasons necessitate termination (APA, 2017). Ethical guidelines specify that termination should be done in a manner that is sensitive and avoids abandonment. Discontinuing therapy solely based on personal dislike or discomfort violates this principle and can harm the client. However, if the client becomes abusive or the therapeutic relationship becomes unmanageable, the therapist may have just cause to terminate, provided they offer adequate notice and referrals (Barnes & Rodolfa, 2019). Therefore, unilaterally refusing service due to difficulties without a proper termination plan would be unethical. Proper professional conduct involves navigating such situations ethically and responsibly.

Conclusion

In summary, ethical decision-making in psychology relies on understanding and applying core principles such as confidentiality, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and respect for persons. Each scenario highlights potential dilemmas and underscores the importance of adhering to established standards to protect client welfare and maintain professional integrity.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• Barnes, L., & Rodolfa, E. (2019). Ethical decision making in psychology. In R. C. Constantine et al. (Eds.), Ethical Practice in Psychology (pp. 45-68). Wiley.
• Garriga, D., & Portela, M. (2011). Ethics, compliance, and corporate social responsibility. Globalizations, 8(4), 369-382.
• National Association of School Psychologists. (2010). Principles for professional ethics. NASP. https://www.nasponline.org/
• Rodolfa, E., Rehm, M., & Barnes, L. (2019). Ethical decision making in psychology. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research, 37(3), 271-278.