Ethics of Psychology

Karen Strohm Kitchener is Professor of Counseling Psychology and Chair of the Counseling Psychology Division of the College of Education at the University of Denver.

Although psychologists have been relatively reticent in approaching ethical issues as a research topic, some have begun to use psychological principles, theories, and studies to understand and solve ethical dilemmas in their research. This book examines relations between ethics and psychology: the contributions that psychology can make to ethical studies and standards in all areas of human empirical science; and the specific ethics of psychological research.The eleven contributors describe the kinds of ethical problems that arise in psychological research, review current literature with a focus on empirical studies of ethical issues in human research, and identify the theoretical and methodological tools they use to understand the ethical problems arising in their work. This book addresses important issues such as the definitions of normative and deviant groups, the discovery and neutralization of bias, sensitivity to the interests of experimental subjects, and the counterweighing factors in rules, regulations, and enforcement.Barbara H. Stanley is a professor of psychology at City University of New York, John Jay College, and a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University. Joan E. Sieber is a professor of psychology at California State University, Hayward. They are the coeditors of Social Research on Children and Adolescents: Ethical Issues. Gary B. Melton is a professor of neuropsychiatry, law, pediatrics, and psychology and director of the Institute for Families in Society at the University of South Carolina. He is the editor of Adolescent Abortion: Psychological and Legal Issues (Nebraska 1986).

Closer regulation of psychological counselling means that an awareness of the professional, legal and ethical considerations is vital. The Handbook of Professional and Ethical Practice brings together leading therapists and psychologists who have a wealth of knowledge and experience of their subjects. Each chapter places particular emphasis on the current codes of practice and ethical principles underpinning safe ethical practice and the implications for practitioners. Comprehensive coverage of the legal, clinical and ethical considerations involved in research and training is provided and the reflective questions at the end of every chapter serve to prompt further discussion of the issues. The following subjects are covered: · Professional Practice and Ethical Considerations · Legal Considerations and Responsibilities · Clinical Considerations and Responsibilities · Working with Diversity - Professional Practice and Ethical Considerations · Research, Supervision and Training This innovative handbook provides a supportive guide to the major professional, legal and ethical issues encountered by trainees on counselling, clinical psychology and psychotherapy courses, as well as providing an invaluable resource for more experienced therapists and other members of the helping professions.