Ethical foundations of psychology.

Abstract

Psychologists, whether they are experimentalists, industrial psychologists, or therapists, increasingly are faced with moral situations about which they must make ethical decisions. Consider the following two case examples.We thank Samuel J. Knapp and Mitchell M. Handelsman for their detailed suggestions on an earlier version of this chapter.

A broad ethics model for mental health practice

“…Aside from its applicability to individuals, the indicated sequence can be used to structure the process of institutional ethical code construction (which includes principles and perhaps a quasi -rather than a formal theory, generally). The sequence is consistent with the work of Cottone (2012) and Kitchener and Kitchener (2012), while integrating them. The present ethical model is used to help construct a revised version of the golden rule that reflects a universal moral, ethical concept, which could guide the construction both of personal ethical thought and that of institutions.…”

“…Other relevant models include the one of reflective abstraction in Kitchener and Kitchener's 2012 [53] model of post-formal thought (from considering specific dilemmas to rules, principles, theories, and metalevels), and Cotton's 2012 [54] dialogue involving: dilemmas are evident, negotiate consensus, reflection, and if required, arbitration. By using superordinate abstract thought, the mental health practitioner functions from higher-order theories and meta-theories about ethics, which might help discern and resolve ambiguities and inconsistencies in the extant ethical principles and codes.…”

“…However, to construct an overarching ethical theory, the most advanced ethical thought process needs to be used. In this regard, one approach to advanced ethical thought is that we should use selfreflective judgment [53], coupled with meta-theoretical thinking. Based on this the model, I developed a model of advanced ethical thought that implicates a collective intelligence [52].…”

“…À part de son applicabilité à des individuels, la séquence indiquée peut être utilisée pour structurer le processus de construction de code éthique institutionnel (qui inclus des principes et possiblement un quasi -plutôt qu'une théorie formelle). La séquence est consistante avec le travail de Cottone (2014) et Kitchener et Kitchener (2012), ainsi que les intègre. Le présent modèle éthique est utilisé pour aider à construire une version révisée de la règle d'or en reflétant un concept éthique moral et universel, qui pourrait guider la construction de la pensée éthique personnelle ainsi que celle des institutions.…”

Bending the arc of North American psychologists’ moral universe toward communicative ethics and social justice.

“…Although the APA Code does not specify a model of ethical decision-making, extant models (e.g., Kitchener & Kitchener, 2011) gener-ally complement the problem-solving model prescribed by the CPA Code. In addition, both Codes note the value of collegial and supervisory consultation for decision-making, and Fisher's (2013) model prescribes dialogue with those impacted by the decision.…”