Its more exciting than it sounds

 a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct  Every profession has a code of ethics or a code of conduct.  These are not always “laws” but sometimes they are guidelines.  Usually not following ethical guidelines does not result in punishment by law, but will result in one losing their license to practice a certain profession

 Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists  There are 4 “General” guidelines that psychologists must follow  They are in a certain order, based on how much they should be weighted when solving an ethical dilemma  Code of Ethics for Psychologists PDFCanadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists PDF

 1. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF THE PERSONS  This principle, with its emphasis on moral rights, generally should be given the highest weight, except in circumstances in which there is a clear and imminent danger to the physical safety of any person

 Respect  Non-discrimination  Fair treatment  Informed consent  Freedom of consent  Protection for vulnerable persons  Privacy  Confidentiality

 2. RESPONSIBLE CARING  This principle generally should be given the second highest weight. Responsible caring requires competence and should be carried out only in ways that respect the dignity of persons

 General caring  Competence and self-knowledge  Risk/benefit analysis  Minimize harm  Care of animals

 3. INTEGRITY IN RELATIONSHIPS This principle generally should be given the third highest weight. Psychologists are expected to demonstrate the highest integrity in all of their relationships. However, in rare circumstances, values such as openness and straightforwardness might need to be subordinated to the values contained in the Principles of Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Responsible Caring

 Accuracy/honesty  Lack of bias  Straightforwardness/openness  Avoid incomplete disclosure  Avoid conflict of interest

 4. RESPONSIBLITY TO SOCIETY  This principle generally should be given the lowest weight of the 4 principles when it conflicts with one or more of them. Although it is necessary and important to consider responsibility to society in every ethical decision, adherence to this principle must be subject to and guided by Respect for the Dignity of Persons, Responsible Caring, and Integrity in Relationships. When a person’s welfare appears to conflict with benefits to society, it is often possible to find ways of working for the benefit of society that do not violate respect and responsible caring for the person. However, if this is not possible, the dignity and well-being of a person should not be sacrificed to a vision of the greater good of society, and greater weight must be given to respect and responsible caring for the person.

 Beneficial activities  Respect for society  Development of society

 Whenever you are working with humans or animals!!  Research  Therapy  Assessment/Diagnosis  Court proceedings  Adults, children

 Provide an example of an ethical or legal dilemma and how you would apply the decision-making process described in the CCofE for Psychologists.  Example – Suicidal client (plan; means)  1. Identify the individual effected by the situation – client & client’s family  2. Ethically relevant issues & practices – Principles 1 (confidentiality) and 2 (protect welfare of client); Duty to Protect – client is at imminent risk of harming self  3. Personal biases, stresses, self-interest that may influence decision – Determining the severity of the risk? Do I genuinely believe they are going to follow through? What implications will this have for the therapeutic relationship? What legal issue may I face for breaching confidentiality?  4. Alternative courses of action – The options include breaching confidentiality and reporting to the authorities, making a safety contract with the client for no self- harm, or having them go see their physician or go to the hospital

 5. Short-term and long-term risks and benefits of each course of action Breaching confidentiality – benefits – short-term safety of the client; risks – short- term and long-term implications for the therapeutic relationship (loss of trust and sense of autonomy) Safety contract – benefits – short-term safety of the client and the therapeutic relationship is not jeopardized; risks – client may go ahead with the suicide  Have the client go see physician or hospital & follow up – benefits – short-term safety of client and the integrity of therapeutic relationship is maintained; risks – client may follow through with suicide  6. Choose course of action – The client and I make a safety contract and the client gives consent to contact their significant other to pick them up and drive them to the hospital for an evaluation.  7. Commitment to assume responsibility for the consequences. At which time I follow up with the client or significant other when they arrive at the hospital and again at a later date. I wanted to maintain the client’s confidentiality and get them the best help at their own will.  8. Evaluation of results of course of action. Client is safely admitted to the hospital for an observation  9. Assume responsibility for consequences  10. Appropriate action as warranted to prevent future occurrences of the dilemma

 What special issues related to consent and confidentiality are there in working with minors and other dependents? Who determines when a client is a mature minor? What would you do if a parent or guardian requested information regarding a mature minor?  In working with minors, generally speaking, parents would provide consent for their child and would have access to their child’s file. The child is to be informed of this. However, arrangements can be made between the parents and their child about confidentiality and access to information.  According to the Case Law A.C. vs Manitoba, 16 year olds are presumed to be a mature minor and are able to make decisions regarding health care services including counselling. I can also deem a minor a mature minor if I believe they have the intellectual capacity and understanding to consent for services. Questions to pose would be....do they understand the nature of services? Risk and benefits? Are they emotionally and psychologically stable? Are their views stable and a reflection of beliefs and values?  If a parent requested information regarding a mature minor, I would have to protect the minor’s confidentiality as a I would an adult. The parent would not have a right to access their information unless the minor provided consent for them to do so or the courts deem that the parent should have access to it

 Each province has its own code of conduct for psychologists to follow  The guidelines are more definitive in nature and have the force of law. The standards translates certain aspects of the CCofE into behavioural definitions of ethical or unethical behaviour.  The rules established in the standards are often used in disciplinary hearings as a standard against which to judge a psychologist’s conduct. The standards address informed consent, confidentiality, record keeping, dual relationships, fees, and competence.  College of Psychologists of BC Code of Conduct College of Psychologists of BC Code of Conduct

 We cause great physical and/or psychological harm to our participants!  These can have long lasting effects  But WOW! Do we ever learn a lot!  Top 10 Unethical Experiments Top 10 Unethical Experiments  Stanford Prison Experiment 1 Stanford Prison Experiment 1  Stanford Prison Experiment 2 Stanford Prison Experiment 2

 If you are a mental health worker in a prison, you have to follow ethical guidelines, however, you may find yourself faced with different, perhaps more difficult, ethical dilemmas.

 Has 13 principles. These are not laws, but a code of conduct that defines the essentials of honorable behavior for correctional health professionals.  You should have these in front of you as a handout.  I will read an ethical dilemma. Discuss in a group of 3 which of the principles is effected. Discuss what you would do if you were in that position.