Ethical Dilemma of Professional Competence in Psychology

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Table of Contents

Introduction
The Ethical Dilemma
Methods of Resolving the Issue
Rationale for Each Method
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The psychology profession is established on ethical norms aimed at safeguarding clients’ rights and well-being while also encouraging responsible and effective professional activity. Psychologists may meet ethical quandaries in the course of their job that necessitate thoughtful consideration and following ethical principles (Chenneville & Schwartz-Mette, 2020). Tawana, a psychologist practicing at a women’s shelter, is presented with one such ethical quandary. Tawana is requested to work on another psychologist’s caseload for a week, and the clinical supervisor’s request that Tawana input the session reports into the computer without signing them, are at the heart of the difficulty.

The Ethical Dilemma

The ethical quandary highlighted in this scenario is Tawana’s clinical supervisor’s desire for her to scale up and take on another psychologist’s caseload for a week. Tawana was also ordered by the supervisor to put the session reports into the system under the other psychologist’s name without verifying them to avoid payment complications. Tawana may feel compelled to grant the request to exhibit her dedication to her career and leave a positive mark on her boss. She may also believe that declining the request will threaten her job stability, as she is fresh to the sector and may lack the negotiating power to secure improved working conditions.

Taking on another psychologist’s caseload without proper training or supervision, on the other hand, may jeopardize the quality of care delivered to clients. This has the potential to harm the patients, which is contrary to the ethical ideals of beneficence and non – maleficence (Zhang & Min, 2020). So, the ethical quandary stems from Tawana’s desire to leave a positive mark and her ethical responsibility as a psychologist. Tawana must balance the potential effects of her choices on the customers, her professional image, and the image of the occupation as a whole.

Methods of Resolving the Issue

One potential method is that Tawana could discuss the matter with her supervisor and clarify the request to resolve the ethical quandary provided in the situation. This method adheres to the ethical stance of loyalty, which states that psychologists must be devoted and loyal to their clients as well as to their professional obligations (Drustrup, 2020). This way, Tawana can ensure that she is behaving in compliance with her professional obligations and ethical commitments by obtaining clarification on the request. Another approach is consulting the supervisor and voicing concerns regarding the ethical quandary which is consistent with the ethical settlement agreement of “seeking consultation. Psychologists must seek consultation only from people who they presume are competent and qualified concerning the issues presented (APA, 2017).This is highlighted in Standard 2.06 of the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

Moreover, Tawana could submit the situation to the appropriate authorities to resolve the ethical quandary presented in the circumstance. This method adheres to the ethical principle of accountability, which urges psychologists to accept responsibility for their professional conduct and to denounce unethical activity by others (Campbell & Winterich, 2018). Tawana can guarantee that the patient’s safety and rights are safeguarded, as well as that the practice is subject to the highest ethical principles, by reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities.

Tawana could notify the proper regulatory or professional body, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or the state licensing board, about the problem. She should also seek legal advice to confirm that she is undertaking all necessary precautions to protect her clients and maintain her ethical commitments. Tawana can take steps to safeguard the safety of her clients and the occupation by reporting the problem and demonstrating her dedication to ethical practice.

Rationale for Each Method

The first method, which entails discussing the matter with the supervisor and obtaining clarity on the request, is a vital step toward ensuring that ethical norms are followed in professional practice. The rationale is that psychologists must retain their competence and participate in continual professional development (O’Donohue, 2020). The second method entails reporting the problem to the appropriate authorities, which is a crucial step in ensuring that are safeguarded by adhering to ethical principles. The rationale is that according to the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017), therapists are required to report unethical behavior by others and to accept responsibility for their own professional behavior. These steps can aid in the identification of prospective solutions that are in line with moral principles and protect the rights and welfare of the clients.

The relevance of ethical norms in both methodologies cannot be emphasized. The APA’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (2017) offers guidelines for making ethical decisions in clinical practice and serves as an example for psychologists to follow ethical ideals. These principles can assist psychologists in navigating ethical quandaries and making educated judgments that are in line with the professional duties and obligations in psychology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tawana’s situation poses an ethical quandary that emphasizes the significance of following ethical norms in psychology. Psychologists can verify that they are working in compliance with their professional duties and commitments by requesting clarity on the request or disclosing the matter to the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, examining ethical guidelines such as the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct can serve to educate ethical decision-making and guarantee that the highest ethical standards are kept in professional practice. Finally, by sticking to ethical standards and norms, psychologists can keep the confidence and trust of their clients.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Web.

Campbell, M. C., & Winterich, K. P. (2018). A Framework for the Consumer Psychology of Morality in the Marketplace. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 28(2), 167-179. Web.

Chenneville, T., & Schwartz-Mette, R. (2020). Ethical considerations for psychologists in the time of COVID-19. American Psychologist, 75(5), 644. Web.

Drustrup, D. (2020). White therapists addressing racism in psychotherapy: An ethical and clinical model for practice. Ethics & Behavior, 30(3), 181-196. Web.

O’Donohue, W. (2020). Criticisms of the ethical principles for psychologists and code of conduct. Ethics & Behavior, 30(4), 275-293. Web.

Zhang, Z., & Min, X. (2020). The ethical dilemma of truth-telling in healthcare in China. Journal of bioethical inquiry, 17, 337-344. Web.

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