Question

The APA ethics code expresses ethical standards for internal factors including competence, privacy/confidentiality, record keeping and fees, education and training, and assessment. Why do you believe the APA established these standards? What is an ethical dilemma that could arise under one of these standards? Would the dilemma still exist if there was no established standard? Support your position.

Answer 1

APA (American Psychological Association) was established in the year 1892 with the goal due to the number of changes taking place in the US such as new academic discipline and the progressive movement in politics, It is a preamble of five General Principles denoted as A-E and specific Ethical Standards.

Under its five General Principals, A. it guides psychologists in such a way that it is beneficial to others at the same time it should not hurt others B. Psychologist have to cultivate professional and scientific environment as they are bound to the community there is large responsibility on them. C, Thy have to honest, People are entitled to get the benefit of advances made in the field of psychology. E, It requires people's right to respect, dignity and confidence.

The Ethical standards are enforced so that psychologists will practice under these standards for the benefit of the clients, students and other individuals working with him, any deviation from following the norms may result in termination or cancellation of license or membership, These standards are established to avoid sexual harassment, unfair practice as these things influence the mental health of the person taking treatment, Verbal and nonverbal harassment to be avoided. the psychologist has to keep his patient's identity confidential. Records of therapy sessions should be kept confidential. The records of the patient can be shared with another professional In an emergency the Psychologists cannot withhold the record of the patient for nonpayment the of the bill,

The APA ethical code is established with an intention to provide guidance to psychologists, These codes are not the ground for any civil liability.

The dilemma still exist as this ethical code is not ground for civil liability it cannot be challenged as it by itself does not determines whether the psychologists is responsible and guilty for breaking any ethical norms and standards,