Course of Action for an Ethically Complex Situation Essay

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For a psychologist who strives to benefit clients and do no harm, the clients’ welfare and comfort comes first. Priority is given to honoring the value and individuality of people, as well as their rights to secrecy, privacy, and personality (American Psychological Association, 2017). In the case of Tina, it is evident that she feels amicably responsible for her daughter’s positive HIV diagnosis, and, being a mother, she is obligated to protect her child, even by refusing to divulge vital health information to her (Miller, 2022). Staff who have heard from both parties wants to maintain their clients’ wishes, however contradicting they may be.

According to the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, psychologists cannot rely their personal biases and judgments, while mediating their clients’ conflicts. The most appropriate tactic for the staff would be using grand theories. The staff should integrate the humanistic and behavioral approach for both mother and daughter (Miller, 2022). Victoria, being a teenager, happens to be sexually active, contrary to her mother’s belief. By integrating a behavioral approach towards Victoria, the staff can get to indulge her in hypothetical instances, where they can determine what feelings she displays. On Tina’s side, it would be advisable for the staff to integrate the humanistic approach and ask her to put herself in Victoria’s shoes and get to know what her reaction would be, if she found out the secret her mother kept from her.

With the staff having held Tina’s request of not disclosing her daughter’s health diagnosis with absolute confidentiality, trust has been established. It is psychologist’s responsibility to maintain that trust and fairly manage possible conflicts (American Psychological Association, 2017). With that, it is important for the staff to encourage Tina to open up to her daughter in gradual phases, now that she is in her adolescent years (Miller, 2022). The staff emphasizing the feelings Victoria displays in related hypothetical situations may help Tina understand the situation from her daughter’s point of view and this might help the mother make the best decision. Relying on the Code of Conduct (2017) the psychologist should serve as a mediator to encourage both parties to open up on the matters they hold to heart, so as to promote absolute trust between each other.

Reference

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Washington, DC: Author.

Miller, R. L. (2022). Psychological Theories of Social Change. Web.

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IvyPanda. "Course of Action for an Ethically Complex Situation." November 19, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/course-of-action-for-an-ethically-complex-situation/.

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