Practical Ethics for Psychologists

The fourth edition of this seminal book, guided by the APA Ethics Code and a social justice perspective, shows psychologists how to achieve higher standards of ethical practice in their everyday work.

Advocating a positive, proactive approach to ethics, Samuel Knapp and Randy Fingerhut go beyond the minimal ethical requirements in clinical practice, research, education, forensic psychology, consultation, and other areas. Through vivid case examples, they explore ethical dilemmas that psychologists must face regarding issues including informed consent, confidentiality, maintaining competence, and protecting the welfare of clients and society at large. The authors present three models to guide psychologists:

the ethics acculturation model for balancing personal and professional ethics; the five-step decision-making model for navigating complex ethical quandaries; and the quality enhancement model for managing risk, particularly with patients who may cause harm to themselves or others.

This edition offers an enhanced focus on social justice as an ethical responsibility, expanded guidelines related to health care technologies, and greater emphasis on psychologist self-care. Psychologists will learn how to collaborate with and empower patients, research subjects, students, and others impacted by their work, ensuring that they are actively engaged in ethical decisions.