Preparing to Be an Ethically Minded Educational Psychologist: Examining Conceptualisations of Social Justice and a Reflexive Exploration of Values

Abstract

This paper originated as an essay written to partially fulfil the requirements of a Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology. Trainee Educational Psychologists were invited to consider the ethical questions that arise from following the moral principles that underpin the practice of educational psychologists, namely social justice, beneficence and autonomy. The TEP chose to focus on social justice. This was explored by drawing on three theories or principles: Utilitarianism, Rawlsian Redistribution and Communitarianism. These were considered within the context of the diverse communities educational psychologists work with. Vignettes from personal and professional experiences were offered and used by the TEP to explore the sources of her values and to consider how her identity and values influence her work. This reflexive exercise is undertaken in the first term and in the first year of the TEP’s training, in preparation for her becoming the ethically minded psychologist she intends to be.