Introduction
Ethics is the behavior of people and how people relate to each other through taking responsibility for the decisions they make. Ethics determines how they are viewed by the community at large. (APA) stands for American psychological association.
Ethics here is a code of conduct that guides psychologists to act on the highest ideas of psychology. It can also be referred to as the standard to which all members affiliate students under psychology agree to comply. Ethics in a profession regulates how people conduct themselves when in the field.
Role and importance of personal ethics in psychology being in (APA) code of conduct
The role of personal ethics in psychology in relation to the (APA) American psychological association is intended to guide psychologists and standard professionals to guide them in their decision making and conduct at work. Personal ethics is required when one is serving their clients.
Matters such as privacy and integrity always arise in the line of duty. The client’s mental status should be secretly kept. Also, personal ethics in psychology guides ethics that is applicable to psychologist activities.
Such activities may include scientific activities, educational and other roles as psychologists. Other areas include clinical psychology, counseling and practice in school.
Personal ethics in psychology guides decisions on matters of being on the wrong side or the right side in relation to individuals morals in the society. It also determines the basic standards to which social behavior conforms.
Importance of personal ethics in psychology
Ethics is the code of conduct that should be followed at when practicing work. Issues such as privacy and having the capacity to continue treating mental illness are some of the challenges experienced today in this field. Therefore, personal ethics ensures that the psychologists conduct themselves in a manner that protects the patient.
Patients are accorded the respect they deserve. Personal ethics of psychologists should comply with the APA code of conduct which is the American Psychologist Association. It recommends that psychologists have such principles of competence, integrity, professionalism and above all responsibility (Knapp, 2005).
The science of psychology is greatly influenced by the everyday changes in life. This calls for the modification and the adaptation of the methods so that integrity of the patient is not on the line. Personal ethics also require a psychologist to undergo proper education, training and supervision.
Personal ethics in psychology prevents the professionals from involving personal matters which may interfere with work related issues. As a result, appropriate measures are followed when carrying out their duties (Knapp, 2005).
Effects of ethics in the application of psychological principles to personal, spiritual, social and organizational issues
Ethics has different effects on psychological principles in relation to aspects such as personal, spiritual, social and organizational issues. Therefore, ethics in psychology requires that standards need to be set in relation to these issues. Ethics protects the integrity of one in this field (Brey, 2009).
In personal issues, i.e. personal behavior, the ethics provides a guide and some recommendations particular issues. The ethics prevents you from mixing up your personal and professional life. Just like everyone else, psychologists experience normal hardships such as illness, losses and changes in life.
The ethics guides professions by setting the boundaries from the personal behavior. Involving personal matters in work related issues is a breach of professional code of conduct (Knapp, 2005).
In the spiritual aspect, people have different beliefs and different styles of worship. Christians have different beliefs from other religions such as Muslim, Hindu and other religions. Therefore, the ethics in psychology helps the psychologists to handle the patients in accordance with beliefs.
The ethics guides one by enabling them to understand different emerging spiritual issues. When it comes to the social and organizational matters, the ethics of conduct will determine how one judges different sexes and the factors that relate to them (Knapp, 2005).
On social matters, the psychologist will classify the various people according to their social class and behaviors. Issues such as age, economy class and gender will be raised. The ethics here will guide one in determining how they will relate to the various groups.
For example, a psychologist cannot treat an adolescent the same way as a fully mature adult. They will have to determine their issues according to their age and gender. Hence, the ethics will guide on how he/she will handle their cases.
Effects of ethics on psychological knowledge and principles related to personal growth, health and development
Ethics has influenced psychological knowledge in relation to how the information is gathered. Ethics here guides the way the information is researched. Thus, the ethics has enabled the acquisition of right information in relation to personal growth, health and development.
The people conducting research should adopt policies like privacy and safety in their work. Code of ethics, has enabled people to research within the scope of their work so as to come up with the correct answers rather than assumptions.
Advantages of psychology as a degree choice and how ethics plays a role in decision to pursue the degree
Psychology is one of the most renowned courses in the universities worldwide. When one pursues a career in psychology, he/she experiences great growth opportunities. These may include acquiring great in-depth knowledge on human behavior.
A psychology degree enables one to access various careers such as sports, health, industrial, organization and human related factors, since one can practice psychology in all these fields. Also, as a degree, it is a great way to study human behavior. One is able to learn about themselves on issues involving the mind and emotions and the answers as to reactions.
Psychology as a degree has been on the rise. Their services are needed in schools, hospitals and other mental related institutions. When one becomes a psychologist, they are proud of themselves for helping people solve their problems. Through the various studies and researches on the human behaviors, they have come up with many conclusions and answers.
The code of ethics in pursuing a degree has influenced the career choice of various people. Those who want to pursue psychology as a degree, understand that it is a career of high integrity and competence. It requires total honesty and non biasness. Hence, the effect of ethics in pursuing a degree in psychology portrays it as a highly qualified career.
Reference List
Brey, J. (2009) A summit on the future of psychology practice. New York: Plum press.
Knapp, S. (2003). A guide to the 2002 revision of the American psychological association’s ethics code. Sarasota, Flo: Professional Resource Press.