Citation

Betan EJ. Ethics Behav. 1997; 7(4): 347-365.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1207/s15327019eb0704_6

PMID

11655340

Abstract

Documented ethical violations and empirical research have demonstrated that, despite professional standards and formal training in ethical principles, some psychotherapists engage in unethical behaviors that compromise the welfare of clients. It appears that competing values and interests that emerge in the therapeutic endeavor can interfere with therapists' considerations of ethical standards and their willingness to act ethically. Expanding current models of ethical decision making, this article offers a hermeneutic model that recognizes that in addition to moral reasoning, the context of the therapeutic relationship and the therapist's subjective responses are fundamental considerations in the interpretation and application of ethical interventions. Implications for understanding and training of ethics in psychotherapy in this broader context are explored.

Language: en

Keywords

Altruism; American Psychological Association; Beneficence; Bioethics and Professional Ethics; Codes of Ethics; Decision Making; Disclosure; Education; Empirical Research; Ethical Analysis; Ethics; Ethics, Professional; Freedom; Health Personnel; Humans; Interprofessional Relations; Mental Health Therapies; Models, Theoretical; Personal Autonomy; Professional Misconduct; Professional Patient Relationship; Professional-Patient Relations; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Research; Self Concept; Sexuality; Social Values; Societies; Societies, Scientific; Suicide; Truth Disclosure; Virtues; Whistleblowing