Posted: August 15th, 2023

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Professional Competence

Exam Content
In any practice or research setting, strict application of professional ethical standards plays a vital role and furthers the role of professionalism in psychology.Imagine you have been asked to review a case involving an ethical dilemma at a local agency. Select 1 ethical dilemma scenario related to professional competence:
Scenario 1: Marybeth is working as a psychology intern at a large mental health clinic. Over the weekend, she sees an 18-year-old female who discloses that she has been thinking about suicide for several months. She is not accompanied by either parent and says they do not know anything about her thoughts of self-harm. When asked if she is currently suicidal, she admits she is but requests that Marybeth not share this information with anyone. She further said that Marybeth is “my only lifeline for hope” and wants to work with her on a “strictly confidential basis.”Scenario 2: James is a psychologist who is working with a patient who suffers from long-term depression. The patient is married and owns an antique store in a small midwestern town. James likes antiques and is familiar with the patient’s shop. During a session, he discloses to James that he is getting great benefit from therapy but has suffered financial hardship in his business lately and cannot afford to pay for therapy. The patient requests that they set up a barter system temporarily, such that he would let James pick out any items in his store, which he would sell at wholesale prices, to offset the fees that he is charged for therapy. Scenario 3: Tawana is a psychologist starting work at a nonprofit women’s shelter. This is her first job out of school, and she is excited to make a good impression. She soon discovers that every therapist there has a heavy caseload, and the shelter is understaffed and running low on funds. Her clinical supervisor is pleased with Tawana’s work. One day, she requested that Tawana “double up” and take on another therapist’s caseload for the next week. She told Tawana that because of reimbursement issues, she should simply enter the session reports in the computer and not sign them so that they would appear to originate from the other therapist.Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word case review for your supervisor based on your selected dilemma. Address the following items:
Describe your selected ethical dilemma and why it is a dilemma.
Provide an argument for 2 methods of resolving the issue and justify the ethical resolution process you would take under each method.
Provide a rationale for why each method should be used, including the importance of ethical guidelines.
Include a reference page with 2 to 3 peer-reviewed sources. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Submit your assignment.Resources
Center for Writing Excellence
Reference and Citation Generator

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Professional Competence: A Case Review

In the field of psychology, upholding professional ethical standards is imperative in ensuring the well-being of clients and maintaining the integrity of the profession. This article delves into an ethical dilemma centered around professional competence, analyzing scenarios involving Marybeth, James, and Tawana. By evaluating the ethical dilemmas within these scenarios and proposing ethical resolution methods, this review aims to shed light on the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines in psychological practice.

Understanding the Ethical Dilemma

Scenario 1: Marybeth and the Confidentiality Conundrum
In Scenario 1, Marybeth, a psychology intern, faces the ethical dilemma of confidentiality when a young client confides in her about suicidal thoughts. The client requests absolute confidentiality, fearing that disclosure might hinder their lifeline of hope. This situation poses a dilemma as it pits the obligation to protect the client’s well-being against respecting their autonomy and maintaining trust.

Scenario 2: James and the Barter Proposition
Scenario 2 presents James, a psychologist, grappling with a dilemma involving professional competence and financial interactions. His client, experiencing financial hardship, proposes a barter system involving items from his antique store. This situation raises concerns about dual relationships, potential exploitation, and the preservation of professional boundaries.

Scenario 3: Tawana and Ethical Compromise
In Scenario 3, Tawana encounters the ethical dilemma of workload management and ethical integrity. As a novice psychologist at an understaffed nonprofit women’s shelter, Tawana’s supervisor requests her to take on an additional therapist’s caseload without proper attribution. This dilemma highlights the tension between organizational demands and ethical guidelines.

Proposing Ethical Resolution Methods

Method 1: Ethical Decision-Making Model
One method for resolving the ethical dilemmas presented is through the application of ethical decision-making models. These models guide psychologists in systematic analysis and reasoning. For instance, the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Ethical Decision-Making Model suggests steps involving identification, consultation, generating alternatives, considering consequences, and making a decision (Fisher, 2018). This method ensures careful consideration of all aspects before making an ethical decision, maintaining professional competence and ethical integrity.

Method 2: Consultation and Supervision
Another method is seeking consultation and supervision. When facing ethical dilemmas, psychologists should seek guidance from experienced peers or supervisors. Consultation and supervision provide a platform for discussing ethical issues, exploring diverse perspectives, and arriving at an ethical resolution aligned with professional competence (Pope & Vasquez, 2016). This method helps mitigate the complexities of ethical decision-making by involving external input.

Rationale for Method Selection

Method 1 Rationale
The application of an ethical decision-making model is essential due to its structured approach. By systematically evaluating ethical dilemmas, psychologists uphold their professional competence and ethical responsibility. Ethical decision-making models provide a roadmap to navigate complex situations, ensuring the well-being of clients and adherence to ethical guidelines.

Method 2 Rationale
Consultation and supervision foster a collaborative approach to resolving ethical dilemmas. In scenarios where professional competence is at stake, seeking advice from experienced colleagues or supervisors promotes ethical decision-making. This method acknowledges the expertise of others, prevents potential errors, and safeguards the welfare of clients (Knapp & Vandecreek, 2016).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presented scenarios underscore the importance of professional competence in psychology and the ethical dilemmas that practitioners may encounter. Addressing these dilemmas requires careful consideration and adherence to ethical guidelines. Employing ethical decision-making models and seeking consultation are viable methods for resolving ethical challenges. By navigating such dilemmas conscientiously, psychologists uphold their commitment to clients’ well-being, preserve professional integrity, and maintain the ethical standards of the field.

References

Fisher, C. B. (2018). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Sage Publications.

Knapp, S., & Vandecreek, L. (2016). Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach. American Psychological Association.

Pope, K. S., & Vasquez, M. J. T. (2016). Ethics in psychotherapy and counseling: A practical guide. John Wiley & Sons.

Order | Check Discount