Understanding Who You Are And How You Might Behave In A Cert

Understanding Who You Are And How You Might Behave In A Certain Situat

Understanding who you are and how you might behave in a certain situation requires you to take a step back and consider how you established your own personal values and ethics. The helping professions, including psychology, require you to interact with individuals whose experience may be quite different from your own, presenting frequent ethical dilemmas. This week's assigned readings will provide some good insights into moral and ethics development. For this task, prepare a reflection paper as you discuss your professional and personal outlook on ethics and ethics in psychology, and reflect on what you read. Consider the following questions as you prepare your reflection paper: What event or personal example (taken from your life experience, observation of others, or even literature or film) has impressed you personally from an ethical perspective? Before beginning this course, what thoughts have you had about right and wrong professional behavior (ethics) in psychology? Where does this conception of professional ethics come from? After visiting the American Psychological Association’s website, and reviewing psychology subfields, which subfields do you believe are most compatible with who you are as a person? Which ones might present an ethical challenge to you? Which subfields do you believe are most compatible with who you are as a person? What subfields do you believe might present an ethical challenge for you? Length: 3-5 pages

Paper For Above instruction

This reflection paper explores the development of personal and professional ethics within the context of psychology, examining how individual values shape behavior and decision-making in ethically challenging situations. It begins with a personal anecdote illustrating an ethical incident, followed by an analysis of initial perceptions of professional ethics trailed from prior experiences and societal influences. The paper then evaluates how the American Psychological Association (APA)’s guidelines and the specific subfields of psychology align with the author's personal values, highlighting areas of compatibility and potential ethical conflicts.

The personal example that profoundly impacted my understanding of ethics involved volunteering at a community health clinic during my undergraduate years. I encountered a situation where a patient requested confidential information about a relative, prompting me to navigate the delicate boundary between respecting confidentiality and ensuring the patient's need for information. This experience underscored the importance of confidentiality, informed consent, and the moral obligation to prioritize client welfare, principles emphasized in ethical codes such as the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (APA, 2017). It instilled a commitment to uphold integrity and respect in all professional interactions.

Prior to this course, my conceptualization of ethical behavior in psychology was shaped largely by societal norms, family influences, and media portrayals of psychologists as trustworthy and empathetic professionals. I perceived ethics as clear-cut rules—avoiding harm, maintaining confidentiality, and providing competent services—derived from a combination of formal education and societal expectations. My initial understanding was that ethical violations were primarily motivated by a desire for personal gain or negligence; however, I have come to appreciate the complexity of ethical decision-making, which often involves balancing competing values and navigating ambiguous situations.

Reviewing the APA’s website and exploring various psychology subfields such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and forensic psychology, I perceive a strong resonance with the compassionate and empathetic aspects of my personality. Clinical psychology and counseling psychology seem most compatible, as they emphasize helping individuals cope with mental health challenges, fostering therapeutic alliances built on trust and confidentiality. These areas align with my interpersonal strengths and desire to make meaningful contributions to individuals’ well-being.

Conversely, some subfields present ethical challenges that I find more daunting, such as forensic psychology, where the lawyer-client relationship and issues surrounding confidential information and advocacy can create moral tensions. For example, forensic psychologists often face the dilemma of maintaining impartiality while being employed by legal entities that may have conflicting interests. This scenario tests the therapist’s commitment to truthfulness and objectivity, raising concerns about potential conflicts between ethical obligations and external pressures.

Other ethical dilemmas may arise in neuropsychology, particularly concerning the use of neuroimaging and cognitive assessments, where issues of consent, privacy, and the potential misuse of sensitive data are prevalent. Ethical challenges in such subfields necessitate a robust understanding of ethical principles and a commitment to ongoing professional development to navigate rapidly evolving technologies responsibly.

In conclusion, understanding personal values and their influence on professional behavior in psychology is fundamental to ethical practice. By reflecting on personal experiences, societal influences, and the ethical standards outlined by professional organizations, psychologists can better anticipate and navigate complex moral dilemmas. Embracing a commitment to integrity, respect, and conscientious decision-making ensures that the profession continues to serve the public’s trust and uphold the dignity of those it serves.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Koocher, G. P., & Keith-Spiegel, L. (2016). Ethics in Psychology and Psychiatry: The Need for Reflection and Practice. Journal of Ethics in Mental Health, 22, 1-11.
• Sullivan, G., & Garvey, G. (2010). Ethical Practice in Psychology: A Guide for Clinicians and Researchers. Routledge.
• Hill, C. E. (2014). Helping Skills: Facilitating Exploration, Resolution, and Action (4th ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Touyz, R., & Kim, T. (2018). Ethical Challenges in Neuropsychology Practice. Neuropsychology Review, 28(3), 235–250.
• Reamer, F. G. (2018). Ethical Standards and Practice Challenges. Social Work, 63(3), 239-247.
• Vance, M. C., & Beauchamp, M. H. (2020). Ethics and Professional Development in Psychology. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(4), 367-378.
• Fiske, S. T. (2012). Social Cognition and Ethics in Psychological Practice. American Psychologist, 67(6), 492-498.
• Rogers, C. R. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.