Ethical Issues in Abnormal Psychology

Autonomy is the principle that respects the client's right to make their own decisions about their care.

Informed consent is the process of ensuring that a client has the necessary information to make an informed decision about their treatment.

Obtaining the client's signature on a consent form is not a key element of informed consent, as it is not sufficient to ensure that the client has understood and agreed to the treatment.

Non-maleficence is the principle that requires psychologists to avoid harming their clients.

Electroconvulsive therapy is an example of an aversive therapy, as it involves the use of electric shocks to treat mental illness.

The primary ethical concern associated with the use of aversive therapies is that they can be harmful to clients.

Justice is the ethical principle that requires psychologists to treat all clients fairly and equitably.

Psychologists are required to breach confidentiality when the client is a danger to themselves or others.

Confidentiality is the ethical principle that requires psychologists to respect the privacy of their clients.

Psychologists are required to disclose confidential information about a client when the client is a danger to themselves or others.

Beneficence is the ethical principle that requires psychologists to use their skills and knowledge to benefit their clients.

Psychologists are required to terminate a therapeutic relationship when they are no longer able to provide effective treatment.

Fidelity is the ethical principle that requires psychologists to avoid conflicts of interest.

All of the above are examples of conflicts of interest.

Veracity is the ethical principle that requires psychologists to be honest and truthful with their clients.