The Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists: A moral context for ethical decision-making in emerging areas of practice.

Abstract

Abstract The Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists provides an ethical framework and decision-making model that is useful for addressing emerging areas of practice in psychology. This paper reviews some actual and potential applications of the Code to such areas as conflict between professional standards and third party expectations; community psychology, diversity and vulnerable populations; custody and access evaluation; recovered memories; and services via electronic technology. The use of the Canadian Code by several psychology and non-psychology organizations to develop their own ethical guidelines is summarized, as well as use by a body of elected officials. Perceived weakness are discussed. The wide recognition of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists speaks to its broad-based relevance for those people who are trusted to serve the public interest.The moral framework of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists and its ethical decision-making process is invaluable in resolving dilemmas in contexts beyond those specifically covered in professional codes. Pettifor (1989) asked Did Hamlet need a Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists? and suggested that the CPA guidelines for ethical decision making might have enabled him to resolve his moral dilemmas with more constructive results than the tragic consequences presented in the Shakespearean drama. Psychology as an organized profession develops codes of ethics, codes of conduct, and practice standards to guide its members in behaving respectfully, competently and appropriately when engaged in research, teaching and practice. However, in new areas of practice, there is a dearth of guidelines, and professionals often are expected to determine on their own what behaviours and attitudes are appropriate in these circumstances.Often people look for rules of conduct or behaviour because they are specific, concrete, and easy to understand. Rules have their place in defining or operationalizing the ethical principles that are endorsed by the profession. However, it is impossible to make enough rules to cover all situations. In addition, rules sometimes do serve the good purposes for which they were intended, and may be minimal and situation-specific. In our changing society, new issues emerge and professionals look to ethical principles to provide guidance on how to serve the public good.This article will present a number of examples in which the moral framework of ethical principles in the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, and its ethical decision-making steps, provide guidance for psychologists in navigating new and inadequately charted areas of practice. It also addresses the assistance the Code provides to non-psychologists in articulating principles to meet their particular areas of concern.The moral principles that underlie rules of conduct are especially important when there are problems in obtaining consensus on what is appropriate. For example, much time has been spent trying to define how long after terminating therapy with a client it is acceptable to engage in a sexual relationship. The American Psychological Association (1992) finally agreed on a ride of two years provided certain conditions were met. The Canadian Psychological association (1991, Standard II.26, p. 17) provided a guideline rather than a rule in the statement, not for that period of time following therapy during which the power relationship reasonably could be expected to influence the client's personal decision making. Guidelines may caution members to take measures to guard against harm, while rules may define conduct that is intended to prevent harm.Special topics emerge. McCrea, Enman and Pettifor (1997) discussed the ethical considerations of whether or psychologists should have prescription privileges. Debate continues on the desirability of limiting client interventions to those that have been empirically validated. …