Understanding the Psychologist’s Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics is designed to facilitate compliance with the Statute of the College of Psychologists, emphasizing ethics as a core value. Its objective is to regulate professional practice, focusing on proposed criteria for action and behavior.
Specific Objectives
The professional policy aims to:
- Clarify and resolve ethical issues and conflicts.
- Facilitate the resolution of ethical dilemmas in various branches of the profession.
- Analyze and clarify options for action.
- Establish, evaluate, and judge breaches of the rules.
- Protect and defend psychologists facing unfair charges or actions affecting their prestige and practice.
General Principles
Respect for the Rights and Dignity of Persons
The psychologist respects the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including dignity, worth, privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, diversity, and autonomy. They also respect individual differences related to culture, gender, ethnicity, religion, ideology, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Competence
Psychologists maintain a suitable level of competence, providing services and techniques for which they are qualified. They recognize the boundaries of their discipline and continuously update their knowledge and professional information relevant to their services. Skills needed in health, education, and the study of individuals or groups vary with their characteristics.
Professional and Scientific Commitment
Psychologists adhere to the principles and rules of conduct in this Code, taking responsibility for compliance. They commit to promoting scientific knowledge in psychology. In situations lacking standards, psychologists conduct thorough trials, network interclinically or interdisciplinary, and inform people about the experimental nature of instruments or interventions.
Integrity
Psychologists are guided by integrity, honesty, justice, and respect in their professional practice. They consider their belief systems, values, needs, and boundaries and their effect on their work. Psychologists avoid behaviors in their private lives that may cause public doubts about their honesty or ethical formation, affecting the profession’s image.
Independence
In their profession, psychologists avoid personal influence or pressure from institutions that violate their ethical conformation, respect for persons, and compliance with the code of ethics. They explicitly address situations where external demands conflict with this Code of Ethics.
Social Responsibility
Psychologists present their scientific and professional responsibility to the community and society. This involves providing knowledge, studying and transforming society, and promoting laws and social policies that contribute to welfare and community development.