APA Ethics Code

The APA Ethics Code, formally known as the "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct," is a comprehensive set of guidelines and standards designed to guide the professional conduct of psychologists. It is published by the American Psychological Association (APA) and serves as a foundational document for ethical practice in the field of psychology.

History

The APA Ethics Code was first adopted in 1953, marking a significant milestone in the professionalization of psychology. Over the years, it has undergone several revisions to address emerging ethical challenges and to incorporate feedback from the psychological community. The most recent revision was completed in 2017.

Structure

The APA Ethics Code is divided into two main sections:

General Principles

The General Principles are aspirational in nature and serve as a guide to the ethical ideals of the profession. They include:

• Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence - Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm.
• Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility - Psychologists establish relationships of trust and uphold professional standards of conduct.
• Principle C: Integrity - Psychologists seek to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology.
• Principle D: Justice - Psychologists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and benefit from the contributions of psychology.
• Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity - Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.

Ethical Standards

The Ethical Standards are enforceable rules for conduct as psychologists. They cover a wide range of professional activities and responsibilities, including:

• Standard 1: Resolving Ethical Issues - Guidelines for addressing ethical dilemmas and violations.
• Standard 2: Competence - Requirements for maintaining professional competence.
• Standard 3: Human Relations - Standards for interactions with clients, students, and colleagues.
• Standard 4: Privacy and Confidentiality - Rules for safeguarding client information.
• Standard 5: Advertising and Other Public Statements - Guidelines for public communication.
• Standard 6: Record Keeping and Fees - Standards for maintaining records and handling financial matters.
• Standard 7: Education and Training - Guidelines for educational programs and training.
• Standard 8: Research and Publication - Ethical considerations in research and dissemination of findings.
• Standard 9: Assessment - Standards for psychological testing and assessment.
• Standard 10: Therapy - Guidelines for therapeutic practice.

Importance

The APA Ethics Code is crucial for ensuring that psychologists adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice. It provides a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas and promotes accountability within the profession. Adherence to the code is mandatory for APA members and is often required by state licensing boards.

Revisions and Updates

The APA regularly reviews and updates the Ethics Code to reflect changes in the field and society. This process involves input from psychologists, ethicists, and the public to ensure that the code remains relevant and effective.

Criticism and Challenges

While the APA Ethics Code is widely respected, it has faced criticism for being too broad or not addressing specific ethical issues in enough detail. Some psychologists argue for more specific guidelines in areas such as digital communication and multicultural competence.

Also see

• American Psychological Association
• Ethics in Psychology
• Professional Ethics
• Confidentiality
• Informed Consent