Table of Contents

Part 1: Core Ethical Requirements for Psychologists in Australia1. Why Bother with Ethics?IntroductionGeneral perception of psychologistsThe APS Code of EthicsEthics, the law and moralityAn ethical code in practiceChapter summaryReferences2. The Three Keys to Ethical Practice: Competence, Confidentiality and ConsentIntroductionCompetenceConfidentialityInformed consentChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferences3. Decision Assistance Model for Australian PsychologistsIntroductionEthical decision-makingThe Decision Assistance Model for Australian PsychologistsChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferencesPart 2: Managing Boundaries and Working with Groups4. Managing Professional BoundariesIntroductionMultiple and dual relationshipsBoundary crossings and violationsPower imbalanceNon-exploitation of a clientChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferences5. Working with Clients who Cannot or Do not Give ConsentIntroductionClients who cannot give consentClients who do not consent to servicesOther issues when working with clients who may not be able to give consentChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferences6. Diverse ClientsIntroductionClient diversityCompetence with diverse client groupsCommunicationChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferencesPart 3: Clients who Pose a Risk to Themselves or Others7. Working with Clients who Pose a Risk to ThemselvesIntroductionClients with suicidal ideationSelf-harm and behaviours that place the client at riskDangerous or risky client behaviour that endangers the clientChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferences8. Working with Clients who Pose a Risk to OthersIntroductionClients who pose a risk to othersLegal and ethical issues when working with a client who poses a risk of harm to third partiesClient criminal activityLegal and ethical obligations in relation to suspected child abuse or abuseof other vulnerable groupsPotential risk of harm to psychologists from clientsChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferencesPart 4: Two Spheres of Practice: Research and Assessment9. Ethical Issues in ResearchIntroductionThe APS General PrinciplesShock at La Trobe University, 1973Gauging risk and the NHMRC National StatementDuty of care and non-maleficenceInformed consentCoercion, inducement and deceptionConflict of interestReporting and publication of resultsVulnerabilityMilgram’s experimental legacyChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferences10. Ethical Assessment and InterventionIntroductionPsychological assessmentPsychological testingCultural diversity and testingPsychological assessment reportingInterventionTherapies involving psychologist–client physical contactGroup therapyChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferencesPart 5: A Guide to Gaining and Maintaining Registration, and the Ethical Issues in Professional Practice11. Clinical Practice: Privacy Legislation, Records, Delegation, Advertising and FinancesIntroductionClient recordsPrivacyStructure of client recordsOwnership of client recordsAccess to the client recordStorage of client recordsOffice workflowTermination of serviceService delegation and other professionalsAdvertisingFinancial limitationsChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferences12. Gaining and Maintaining RegistrationIntroductionPathways to becoming a registered psychologistAfter registrationPractice endorsementsChapter summaryQuestions to considerReferencesAppendix Annotated APS Code of EthicsGeneral Principle A: Respect for the Rights and Dignity of People and PeoplesGeneral Principle B: ProprietyGeneral Principle C: Integrity

About the Author

Dr Christopher Boyle is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Inclusive Education in the Faculty of Education at Monash University. His main research interests are in the area of teacher perceptions of inclusion and students attributions for success and failure in learning. Previously Chris has worked as a secondary school teacher and as an educational psychologist in Scotland. He is currently editor of the Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist.

Nicholas Gamble is a lecturer in psychology in the Faculty of Education at Monash University.

Reviews

'Boyle and Gamble deliver an engaging text that explores an often-dull topic for psychology students. Australian psychology students (and practising psychologists) should delight that there is now a comprehensive textbook that explores, explains, and demonstrates the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics in a practical context. The case studies throughout the book bring the ethical dilemmas to life, and allow the reader to ponder each case, work through the ethical considerations, and promote discussion among peers.' Sara Groves, The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Volume 31, July 2014. 'Ethical Practice in Applied Psychology is written specifically to the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics and is an essential text for the new and experienced psychologist. This book offers undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students a much-needed lifeline into ethical practice. More experienced practitioners will also benefit from the current and comprehensive content.' Julia Gigante, Amy Kate Isaacs, Chloe Joyce, Nadine Missenden, Anita Nepean-Hutchison, Petra Sharrock and Danica Warner, Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, Volume 24 Issue 02, December 2014