Introduction
The subject of ethics has been a topic of debate for a long time. This is especially because majority of the conflicts lie in the definition, contextualization and application of ethics. Even though people generally agree that there is right and wrong when it comes to morals and ethics, some believe that ethics is a matter of attitude.
Others believe it is a matter of behavior irrespective of one’s attitude. The Ethics Awareness Inventory describes the subject as a person who is ethical out of obligation and not equity. The subject believes in personal ethics over corporate or organizational ethics. She believes that the end does not justify the means and that personal integrity is to be prioritized over the common good. This essay describes the author’s perspective and understanding of the role of ethics in the field of psychology.
The role of personal ethics in psychology and the Code of Conduct
The psychology profession requires one to be making ethical and moral decisions constantly. It is therefore essential that a personal ingrained ethical framework be formed within the practitioner. Some of the moral and ethical decisions will have to be made in unprecedented scenarios. Therefore, unless the professional has his own personal ethical and moral values, he is bound to be incompetent (Plante, 2011).
It is not enough to carry out ethical actions; one must also be inherently ethical. The code of conduct, formulated by the American Psychological Association contains a list of appropriate behavior expected in psychology professionals. However, unless someone has personal ethics, they will always be less effective in making unprecedented moral judgments with no time to consult the manual.
How Ethics affects the Way one Applies Psychological Principles to Personal, Spiritual, Social, and Organizational Issues
One’s application of ethics depends greatly on one’s understanding of the term. According to the Ethics Awareness Inventory in this analysis, the subject places more emphasis on personal value systems rather than the corporate good. The subject believes that ethical actions ought to come from the intrinsic belief systems that define one’s individuality.
In the spiritual and social contexts, the application of ethics should seek to cause behavioral changes in other people through promoting positive values in them and discouraging the negative values. In the context of organizational issues, the subject believes that personal integrity and ethical values should come before the organizational rules and requirements. The subject believes that in ethical issues, the end does not justify the means. Ethics thus make it hard to tolerate some social inequalities that may lead to differences in value systems (Pappajohn, 2010).
Effect of Ethics on Psychological Knowledge and Principles related to Personal Growth, Health, and Development
The subject in the Ethics Awareness Inventory perceives personal ethics as monumental to personal growth, health and development. The subject clearly believes that having a morally and ethically upright attitude is more important than merely displaying ethical actions. Intrinsic moral and ethical values are essential to the wholesome development of a person.
A person who is merely ethical out of obligation ends up being ineffective as an individual. The subject clearly believes that no true ethical action can be executed if it does not originate in one’s individual thoughts and attitudes. The value of ethics in the personal growth, health and development of any individual is monumental to achieving effective behavioral changes and one’s self-actualization (Greenwood, 1991).
Advantages of Psychology as a Degree Choice
The human mind and the human nature are compelling subjects. Psychology provides one with the opportunity to explore the endless possibilities that exist in human interactions. Even though one may approach psychology as a mere scientific practice, the importance of ethics in the practice becomes increasingly evident.
Psychology also brings to light the fact that different people have different perceptions and understanding of ethics. The dynamic nature of all these factors makes psychology a career that is not only stimulating, but also one that encourages personal growth (Plante, 2011). Psychology is one of the few careers that prompt a person to look within themselves. It provides the opportunity to, in solving the problems of other people, understand one’s own problems even better. Therefore, psychology as a degree choice is more than just a professional goal; it is the beginning to a lifelong journey to self-discovery that can only be fulfilling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the brief analysis above clearly shows the importance of personal ethics in the larger context of the psychology profession. It also reveals how one’s own moral understanding and judgment defines and conditions how he deals with the personal, spiritual, social and organizational issues within the organization.
The Ethics Awareness Inventory reveals a person whose ethical understanding stems out of personal obligation. It also shows the possible problems that one can encounter in having such an ethical and moral understanding. Lastly, the fact that every individual is bound to be faced with ethical and moral dilemmas in life increases the appeal of psychology as a career. In pursuing psychology, one will not only be able to have an enriching profession, but they will also develop into a better person with strong intrinsic ethical and moral values.
References
Greenwood, J. D. (1991). Relations and Representations: An introduction to the philosophy of social psychological science. London & New York: Routledge,
Pappajohn, J. (2010). Ethics and social responsibility. John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.
Plante, T. G. (2011). Contemporary clinical psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.