The Differences between Ethical Standards in Counseling Sessions and Psychological Research:
The ethical standards for clients being treated by psychologists in counseling sessions and the standards for conducting psychological research with human participants have some key differences. Here are a few distinctions:
Informed Consent: In counseling sessions, psychologists obtain informed consent from clients before starting therapy. Clients are provided with information about the nature of therapy, its potential risks and benefits, and their right to participate or withdraw at any time. In psychological research, obtaining informed consent is also crucial, but the process might involve additional components such as disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or explaining the purpose of the research.
Confidentiality: Psychologists in counseling sessions must maintain confidentiality to protect the privacy of their clients. They are obliged to discuss limits to confidentiality and any circumstances that may require breaking confidentiality, such as imminent harm to self or others. In psychological research, confidentiality is also essential, but participants’ identities are often anonymized to ensure privacy.
Dual Relationships: Psychologists in counseling sessions must avoid engaging in dual relationships that could compromise the therapeutic relationship, such as entering into romantic or financial relationships with clients. In psychological research, researchers must also avoid dual relationships, but they have an additional responsibility to maintain objectivity and minimize potential bias.
Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct Relevant to My Future Career:
As a future psychologist, several sections of the Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct directly relate to my career. These include:
Section 1: Resolving Ethical Issues: This section provides general guidelines on identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas that may arise in professional practice. It emphasizes the importance of considering ethical principles and seeking consultation when facing challenging situations.
Section 2: Competence: This section highlights the importance of maintaining competence in professional practice through continued education and training. It also outlines the ethical obligation to refer clients to other professionals when appropriate.
Section 4: Privacy and Confidentiality: This section addresses the importance of protecting client privacy and maintaining confidentiality. It guides psychologists on the limits of confidentiality and the circumstances under which it may be breached.
Ethical Requirement for Psychological Research:
One ethical requirement specific to psychological research is Standard 8.10 – Reporting Research Results. This standard states that psychologists should take responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of their research reports. They should strive to accurately represent their findings, including any limitations or biases that may have influenced the results.
Why this Requirement May Not Apply to a Therapy Situation:
This requirement may not directly apply to a therapy situation because therapy is focused on supporting the well-being and growth of clients rather than reporting research findings. In therapy, the psychologist’s primary goal is to provide effective treatment and support to the client, ensuring their mental health needs are met. While therapists may engage in outcome measurement or research-informed practice, the primary focus is on client care rather than disseminating research results.
In summary, the Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct provide guidelines for psychologists in various professional contexts. The standards for counseling sessions and psychological research differ due to the unique nature of these settings. As a future psychologist, I expect to follow sections related to resolving ethical issues, maintaining competence, and ensuring privacy and confidentiality. One specific ethical requirement for psychological research is Standard 8.10 – Reporting Research Results, which emphasizes the responsibility of psychologists to accurately represent their findings. This requirement may not directly apply to therapy situations as therapy primarily focuses on client care rather than reporting research outcomes.
