Ethics in Psychology: Expanding Horizons

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter considers ongoing challenges in applied health care ethics from an international perspective. The nature of these challenges focuses upon fundamental ethical processes such as clinical and surrogate decision-making and informed consent, considers duty to provide care in difficult circumstances, discusses issues involved in health care research, and moves into the realm of applying technological advances. Additionally, consideration of cultural diversity presents serious issues of relevance in attempting to apply ethical concepts within the Western philosophical tradition. Finally, we consider the emerging professional competence movement within psychology and the role of ethics in developing and maintaining functional practice competencies.