Week 5 discussion - Essay Example

Ethical Decision Making in Correction Psychology Ethical Decision Making in Correction Psychology By accepting to conduct the evaluation of the inmate without explaining to him the purpose of the evaluation Dr. R violated the ethics code. The principles of the code of ethics violated include beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibility, integrity and justice. For instance, the law of beneficence and nonmaleficence is broken by the fact that Dr. R agrees to the evaluation without understanding the intended purpose of the evaluation.

The warden could be intending to abuse psychological information by focusing on negative information while ignoring positive information about the inmate, which could in turn affect the possibility of parole. It is the duty of all psychologists to honor the code of ethics. The safety of the client should always remain paramount. First clarifying who the client is in the scenario is necessary for determining the course of action. In this case, the client is the inmate. The next step is providing a clear explanation of the role of Dr.

R as a psychologist to the warden. Getting an explanation on the purpose of the evaluation is also important in defining the limits of confidentiality Reasonable steps of conflict resolution would include talking to Dr. R concerning the consequences of accepting to perform the evaluation without informing the client of the purpose of that assessment. For instance, Dr. R should understand that the decision would jeopardize his relationship with the client. The client would lose trust in Dr. R since Dr.

R would be assuming two roles, one as a clinician, and the other an evaluator. If Dr. would choose to continue with his decision, reporting him to the state licensing board for disciplinary actions would be the last option. It is in regard to the principle of justice that states that psychologists should not condone unjust practices (American Psychological Association, 2010).ReferencesAmerican Psychological Association. (2010). 2010 Amendments to the 2002 "Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct".

American Psychologist, 65(5), 493-493.