Professional Ethics (Morality) of the Psychologist
The professional ethics of the psychologist are realized through the moral requirements and norms of conduct specific to the psychologist’s professional activity, both in relations with colleagues and with the scientific community, research participants, experts, and persons seeking psychological assistance. Along with the universal moral principles and norms that are important for scientists of all categories (scientific honesty and correctness, refraining from the appropriation of others’ ideas and research results during the collection of experimental data, avoiding hasty conclusions based on unverified data, maintaining one’s scientific views in any scientific environment, engaging in debate with any authoritative scientists, etc.), the psychologist-researcher, when conducting research, shall not apply methods, techniques, or procedures that may diminish the dignity or interests of research participants. The psychologist shall strictly preserve the guarantees of confidentiality and non-disclosure of information provided by research participants and shall also inform them of the purposes of the research. Where the objectives of an experiment are not disclosed to the research participant in advance in order to avoid conscious or unconscious distortion of the information provided by the participant, such information shall be communicated after the completion of the experiment. If participation in the research involves intrusion by the psychologist into the sphere of personal interests or intimate experiences, the research participant shall be given the unquestionable opportunity to withdraw from further participation in the research at any time if he or she so wishes. Providing recommendations on the basis of the results obtained does not release the psychologist from moral responsibility for the consequences of implementing those recommendations in social practice.
Ethical Norms of the Psychologist
The psychologist’s activity is directed toward the realization of such humanistic and social goals as well-being, health, a high quality of life, and the full development of individuals and groups within various forms of individual and social life. Since the psychologist is not the only professional whose activity is directed toward the realization of these goals, the exchange of experience and cooperation with other specialists is desirable and, in certain cases, necessary, without any prejudice toward their competence and knowledge.
Psychology, as a profession, is governed by principles that are common to all professional codes. These include respect for the individual, protection of human rights, a sense of responsibility, sincerity and honesty toward the client (beneficiary), prudence in the application of instruments and measures, professional competence, determination in achieving the goals of intervention, and consistency in its scientific foundation.
Psychologists shall not participate in or contribute to the development of methods directed against an individual’s independence or his or her physical and psychological integrity. Contributing directly to the development or implementation of torture or humiliation is not only a crime but also the most serious violation of a psychologist’s professional ethics. Neither as researchers nor as assistants or collaborators shall psychologists participate in the implementation of torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading acts, regardless of who the subject of such acts is, what accusations or suspicions have been raised against that person, what information may be obtained by such means, or even the circumstances (armed conflict, civil war, revolutions, terrorist acts, or any other circumstances) that may be regarded or presented as justification for such actions.
Psychologists shall, at a minimum, inform their professional associations of violations of human rights, humiliation, cruelty, and inhuman or degrading conditions of detention, regardless of who the victim is, as well as of any such cases that become known to them in the course of their professional practice.
Psychologists shall respect the religious and moral convictions of their clients and shall take them into account during inquiries necessary for professional intervention.
When providing assistance, the psychologist shall not discriminate on the basis of origin, age, racial or social affiliation, sex, religion, ideology, nationality, or any other distinguishing characteristic.
The psychologist shall not use the authority and superiority afforded by his or her profession over the client in order to obtain profit or any advantage or privilege for himself or herself or for a third party.
Especially in the case of written documents, the psychologist shall be extremely careful, restrained, and critical with regard to his or her concepts and conclusions, taking into account that they may be perceived as degrading or discriminatory, for example: normal–abnormal, adapted–non-adapted, intelligent–intellectually disabled.
Psychologists shall not employ manipulative procedures for the purpose of attracting particular clients to seek their services, nor shall they act in such a way as to establish a monopoly in their field. Psychologists working in public organizations shall not use that advantage to expand their private practice.
The psychologist shall not permit the use of his or her name or signature for the unlawful application of psychological methods by persons lacking the necessary qualifications and training. Psychologists shall report all cases of violations of the rights of others that become known to them. Useless actions and actions based on falsehood shall not be concealed under the psychologist’s qualifications.
In cases where the personal interests of the client are in conflict with the interests of the institution, the psychologist shall perform his or her functions with the utmost impartiality. Seeking assistance from a given institution presupposes the primacy of the client’s interests, as well as respect and attention toward the client on the part of the psychologist, who, under appropriate circumstances, may act as the client’s advocate in relation to the administration (management) of the institution. On Professional Competence and Relations with Other Professionals
The rights and duties of the professional psychologist are based on the principle of professional independence and autonomy, regardless of his or her position in any organization and irrespective of higher-ranking specialists or the administration.
The professional status of the psychologist is based on the abilities and qualifications necessary for the performance of his or her duties. The psychologist shall be professionally trained and specialized in the use of the methods, instruments, and measures applied in the relevant field. Maintaining his or her professional knowledge and skills at a contemporary level constitutes an integral part of the psychologist’s work.
The psychologist shall not apply methods and procedures that have not undergone sufficient testing within the framework of contemporary science, without prejudice toward the diversity of existing theories and schools. In cases involving the testing of psychological methods that have not yet received scientific evaluation, the client shall be informed thereof in advance.
All psychological data, including research results as well as data relating to intervention and treatment, shall be accessible only to qualified psychologists, whose responsibilities include preventing their disclosure to incompetent or unauthorized persons. Psychologists shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the relevant documentation.
When psychological research or intervention requires close cooperation with specialists from other fields, the psychologist shall ensure appropriate interaction in such a manner that it serves the well-being of both the psychologist and the client.
Psychological methods, both in their application and in their presentation to the public, shall not be mixed with methods that do not conform to the scientific foundations of psychology.
Without renouncing scientific criticism when necessary, psychologists shall not discriminate against colleagues or representatives of other professions who employ the same or different scientific methods, and shall treat with respect those schools and approaches that are scientifically and professionally competent.
The psychologist’s work is based on the right and obligation to respect other professionals (and to receive such respect in return), especially in those fields whose activities are closely related to psychology.
On Intervention
The psychologist shall refrain from intervention or involvement if he or she is convinced that his or her assistance will be used to the detriment of, or contrary to, the lawful interests of individuals, groups, organizations, or communities.
When carrying out an intervention with individuals, groups, organizations, or communities, the psychologist shall provide them with the necessary information regarding the principal issues to be addressed, the objectives pursued, and the methods employed. In the case of minors and legally incapacitated persons, parents or guardians shall be informed. In all cases, manipulation of individuals shall be avoided, and efforts shall be directed toward the development and autonomy of the particular case.
The psychologist shall strive to conclude the intervention and shall not prolong it through the concealment of information or by deceptive means, either when the stated objective has been achieved or when, after a sufficiently long period of applying available methods and measures, achievement of that objective proves impossible. In the latter case, the individuals, groups, organizations, or communities shall be informed of other psychologists or representatives of other scientific fields who may continue the intervention.
Neither the client’s freedom to terminate the intervention nor the freedom to consult another psychologist or specialist shall be restricted. The client’s capacity to make decisions on the basis of sufficient information shall be encouraged. The psychologist may refuse to continue the intervention if it is being conducted simultaneously with another type of intervention carried out by another specialist.
Psychologists shall not use the authority afforded by their professional status to demand special working conditions or remuneration exceeding that which is accepted under ordinary circumstances.
The psychologist shall not allow himself or herself to be placed in a professionally ambiguous situation in which his or her role and functions would be inappropriate or unclear.
Psychologists shall not interfere in actions undertaken by other professionals.
In cases where a psychologist’s services are required by advertising or commercial organizations, the psychologist shall cooperate with the aim of ensuring the truthfulness of the information and protecting the interests of individuals.
The psychologist shall exercise particular caution so as not to create unfounded expectations that he or she will subsequently be professionally unable to fulfill.
On Research and Education
All psychologists, regardless of the field of psychology in which they work, shall strive to contribute to the advancement of science in general and psychology in particular by conducting research, adhering to scientific approaches in their professional activities, and transmitting their knowledge to students and other specialists.
When conducting research, the psychologist shall categorically refrain from any actions that may cause lasting, irreversible, or unnecessary harm to research participants. Participants in any research program shall provide their explicit consent to the conduct of the study; in the case of minors or legally incapacitated persons, such consent shall be obtained from parents or guardians.
If psychological research involves any temporary harm or discomfort, such as electric shock or sensory deprivation, the researcher shall first ensure that all participants are acting entirely independently and without any form of external pressure. No person shall be permitted to participate in the study until the researcher has ensured that the participants have been informed in advance of such harm and have given their consent. Even where consent has been provided prior to the experiment, the research participant may at any time decide to discontinue his or her further participation in the program.
If the conditions of a scientific experiment require the provision of misinformation or deception to research participants, the psychologist shall ensure that this will not result in any lasting harm to the participants. In all cases, the necessity of the deception and the experimental nature of the procedure shall be disclosed upon completion of the experimental program.
Psychological research, whether experimental or observational, shall under normal circumstances be conducted with respect for the dignity of the individual and, in studies concerning sexual behavior, with respect for beliefs, intimate situations, modesty, and discretion, as well as when conducting research involving the elderly, the ill, or detainees, that is, persons who not only face certain social limitations but may also be experiencing serious human suffering.
In experiments involving animals, any suffering, harm, or discomfort that is not absolutely necessary for achieving the stated research objective, even where justified by scientific or human interests, shall be excluded or reduced to the lowest possible level. When performing surgical procedures on animals, anesthetics shall be used and the necessary measures shall be taken to prevent complications. Personnel directly engaged in research involving animals shall be guided by international standards in the keeping, handling, and euthanasia of animals.
General Principles This section consists of General Principles. Unlike Ethical Standards, the General Principles are intended to serve a specific purpose: to guide and inspire psychologists toward the highest ethical ideals of the profession. Unlike Ethical Standards, the General Principles do not constitute obligations and shall not serve as grounds for the imposition of sanctions. Reliance on the General Principles for any such purpose undermines their meaning and objectives.
Principle A. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their professional activities, psychologists seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of the people with whom they work professionally, as well as the welfare of other affected persons and animals, and the living conditions of research subjects. When conflicts arise among psychologists’ obligations or concerns, they seek to resolve those conflicts responsibly in a manner that avoids or minimizes harm. Because psychologists’ scientific and professional judgments and actions may affect the lives of others, they remain alert to and guard against personal, financial, social, organizational, or political factors that might lead to the misuse of their influence. Psychologists strive to be aware of the possible impact of their physical and mental health on their ability to work with people.
Principle B. Fidelity and Responsibility Psychologists establish relationships of trust with those with whom they work. They are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities toward society and the specific communities with which they work. Psychologists uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and strive to avoid conflicts of interest that could lead to exploitation or harm. Psychologists consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent necessary to serve the interests of those with whom they work. They are concerned with the ethical propriety of the scientific and professional conduct of their colleagues. Psychologists strive to contribute a portion of their professional time with little or no expectation of compensation or personal gain.
Principle C. Independence Psychologists seek to promote honesty and truthfulness in science, teaching, and the practice of psychology. In these activities, psychologists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud, deception, or misrepresentation of facts. Psychologists strive to keep their promises and avoid inappropriate or unclear commitments. Psychologists have a serious obligation in those situations where deception may be ethically justified in order to maximize benefits and minimize harm, taking into account the necessity of such methods, their possible consequences, and the responsibility to correct any resulting mistrust or other harmful effects.
Principle D. Justice Psychologists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access and benefit from the contributions of psychology and from processes, procedures, and services provided by psychologists of equal quality. Psychologists exercise reasonable judgment and take precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the limits of their competence, and the limitations of their expertise do not lead to or condone unjust practices.
Principle E. Respect for People's Rights and Dignity Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, as well as individuals’ rights to privacy and self-determination. Psychologists recognize that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerability limits their ability to make independent decisions. Psychologists recognize and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status, and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists seek to eliminate the effects of biases based on these factors and do not participate in or condone the activities of others based on such prejudices.
APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, 2010-2016, https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
Ավանեսյան Հ. Մ. Փորձարարական հոգեբանություն, Ուսումնական ձեռնարկ, 2-րդ վերամշակված հրատարակություն, Երևան, ԵՊՀ հրատ., 2021, 370 էջ
Братусь Б. С. (ред.) Психология и этика. // https://psychojournal.ru/books/2109-bratus-b-s-psihologija-i-jetika.html