The Apa Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct
The APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct:
Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity – is the code culturally encapsulated and biased?
Emmanuel Mueke
Author Note
Emmanuel Mueke. Independent Researcher.
Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Emmanuel Mueke, P.O. Box 44935 – 00100. Nairobi, Kenya.
Contact: emmanuelmueke@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper explores the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct as regards the issue of multicultural and diverse professional practise. Its aim is to establish whether diversity and cultural variety and differences are adequately provided for in the body of the document. Psychologists are mandated to provide services to a multitude of culturally diverse and varied clients in a manner that is both professional and ethical. In such situations cultural sensitivity is fundamental and has been elevated to best practice.
The code has been questioned as to the efficacy of its cultural sensitivity; firstly in terms of whether the code itself is culturally encapsulated and secondly whether there exists an explicit or implicit cultural bias. To address this issue we shall undertake a look at the code; its inherent limitations and shortcomings. Secondly the issue of the importance of cultural sensitivity and its translated application in matters of ethical service delivery shall be addressed.
Keywords: APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct, ethics, multicultural, diversity, bias.
The APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct:
Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity – is the code culturally encapsulated and biased?
Cultural sensitivity and professional ethics are central to the provision of psychologists’ services; this has led to the APA issuing guidelines in an effort to ensure that best practice is not only aspired to but more importantly achieved. This paper examines the Code of
Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity – is the code culturally encapsulated and biased?
Emmanuel Mueke
Author Note
Emmanuel Mueke. Independent Researcher.
Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Emmanuel Mueke, P.O. Box 44935 – 00100. Nairobi, Kenya.
Contact: emmanuelmueke@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper explores the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct as regards the issue of multicultural and diverse professional practise. Its aim is to establish whether diversity and cultural variety and differences are adequately provided for in the body of the document. Psychologists are mandated to provide services to a multitude of culturally diverse and varied clients in a manner that is both professional and ethical. In such situations cultural sensitivity is fundamental and has been elevated to best practice.
The code has been questioned as to the efficacy of its cultural sensitivity; firstly in terms of whether the code itself is culturally encapsulated and secondly whether there exists an explicit or implicit cultural bias. To address this issue we shall undertake a look at the code; its inherent limitations and shortcomings. Secondly the issue of the importance of cultural sensitivity and its translated application in matters of ethical service delivery shall be addressed.
Keywords: APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct, ethics, multicultural, diversity, bias.
The APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct:
Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity – is the code culturally encapsulated and biased?
Cultural sensitivity and professional ethics are central to the provision of psychologists’ services; this has led to the APA issuing guidelines in an effort to ensure that best practice is not only aspired to but more importantly achieved. This paper examines the Code of
References: American Psychological Association. (1990). Guidelines for providers of psychological services to ethnic, linguistic, and culturally diverse populations. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from www.apa.org/pi/oema/guide.html American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychologist, 57, 1060-1073. Retrieved from www.apa.org/ethics.code.html American Psychological Association. (2003). Guidelines on multicultural education, training, research, practice, and organizational change for psychologists. American Psychologist, 58, 377-402. (See www.apa.org/pi/multiculturalguidelines/homepage.html) American Psychological Association. (2008). Report of the Task Force on the Implementation of the Multicultural Guidelines. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/