THE ROLE OF ETHICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

This paper reviewed the role of ethics in the education of scholars and practitioners in psychology. The review proceeded from the recognition that the essence of psychological practice is trust between provider and patient. From this recognition followed the inference that ethical behavior is crucial to effective psychological practice.

The review found that the application of ethical principles by educators and providers in psychology requires some modification in an increasingly diverse society. The American Psychological Association, recognizing this need, proposed changes to the organization's Code of Ethics. In most instances, the proposed changes address contemporary needs. In some instances, further revision appears warranted.

This paper reviews the role of ethics in the education of scholars and practitioners in psychology. The essence of psychological practice is trust between provider and patient (Friend, 2001). Therefore, ethical behavior is crucial to effective psychological practice.

Bioethics is not a new phenomenon. Questions of how practitioners should "conduct themselves toward patients were considered as early as the time of Hippocrates" (Jonsen, 1998, p. 7). The contemporary model within which psychological educators and practitioners address the issues of bioethics, however, is new.

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ity, white middle-class citizens. Analyses of the healthcare experiences of (1) minority and poor individuals and (2) individuals afflicted with HIV/AIDS suggest that two major problems account largely for the differential health status of these individuals. On the one hand, the health care system is deficient in the delivery of healthcare services to these population segments (Montoya, Trevino, & Kreitz, 1999). Accompanying the problem of the delivery of health care services are problems associated with some the individuals themselves in relation to their negative attitudes towards the healthcare system. In part because of their distrust of the healthcare system, such individuals often engage in risky behaviors that lead to (1) greater susceptibility to health problems or (2) more serious morbidity by the time they actually receive care (Montoya, Trevino, & Kreitz, 1999). In February 2001, the American Psychological Association (APA) requested comments on proposed revisions to the organization's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (American Psychological Association, 2001; American Psychological Association, 1992). The suggested revisions to the existing Code adopted in 1992 provide a basis for assessing
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Approximate Word count = 2644
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)

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