Psychologists making decisions about professional behavior
1. Consider Ethics Code
2. Consider applicable laws and regulations
3. Consider other materials and guidelines adopted by organizations
4. Consult with others in the field
5. Meet higher ethical standard if it conflicts with law
If psychologists' ethical responsibilities conflict with law, they make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner
Psychologists are committed to increasing scientific and professional knowledge of behavior and people's understanding of themselves and others and to the use of such knowledge to improve the condition of individuals, organisations, and society
Psychologists respect and protect civil and human rights and the central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching, and publication
Psychologists strive to help the public in developing informed judgments and choices concerning human behavior
Roles psychologists perform
Researcher
Educator
Diagnostician
Therapist
Supervisor
Consultant
Administrator
Social interventionist
Expert witness
The Ethics Code provides a common set of principles and standards upon which psychologists build their professional and scientific work
The Ethics Code is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by psychologists, with the goals of the welfare and protection of individuals and groups, and the education of members, students, and the public
The development of ethical standards requires a personal commitment and lifelong effort to act ethically, to encourage ethical behavior by students, supervisees, employees, and colleagues, and to consult with others concerning ethical problems
PrincipleA: BeneficenceandNonmaleficence
Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm
They seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those they interact with professionally and other affected persons, and the welfare of animal subjects
They attempt to resolve conflicts in a way that avoids or minimizes harm
They are alert to and guard against personal, financial, social, organizational or political factors that might lead to misuse of their influence
They strive to be aware of the possible effect of their own physical and mental health on their ability to help
Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility
Psychologists establish relationships of trust
They are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to society and specific communities
They uphold professional standards, clarify their roles and obligations, accept responsibility for their behavior, and seek to manage conflicts of interest
They consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to serve the best interests of those they work with
They are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues
They strive to contribute professional time for little or no compensation or personal advantage
Principle C: Integrity
Psychologists seek to promote accuracy, honesty and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology
Psychologists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud, subterfuge, or intentional misrepresentation of fact
Psychologists strive to keep their promises and to avoid unwise or unclear commitments
In situations in which deception may be ethically justifiable to maximize benefits and minimize harm, psychologists have a serious obligation to consider the need for, the possible consequences of, and their responsibility to correct any resulting mistrust or other harmful effects that arise from the use of such techniques
Principle D: Justice
Psychologists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and benefit from the contributions of psychology and to equal quality in the processes, procedures, and services being conducted by psychologists
Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity
Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination
Psychologists are aware that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision making
Factors psychologists consider when working with members of groups
Age
Gender
Gender identity
Race
Ethnicity
Culture
National origin
Religion
Sexual orientation
Disability
Language
Socioeconomic status
Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices