Ethical Dilemma Social Sciences Essay Research Paper (Essay Sample)

Ethical DilemmaNameInstitutional AffiliationProfessorCourse  
Ethical Dilemma 1
Ethical Code Violated In the first case, the patent and the doctor are engaging in a conversation in the concluding stages of a therapy session. The doctor’s efforts have been successful in getting the patient get through what were difficult times. The doctor attempts to persuade the patient to provide personal accounts of how the doctor’s techniques were helpful. In this case, the ethics code being violated is standard 4.07; use of confidential information for didactic or other purposes. This standard prohibits psychologists from disclosing in their writing, public media or lectures confidential or personally identifiable information regarding their clients. The doctor's book, in this case, is writing that can be accessed publicly. The doctor seeks the consent of the patient, but the patient is hesitant as they are conscious about their confidentiality. After coercing the patient slightly, the doctor concludes the conversation by assuming that the patient has acceded to the request.Resolving the Issue Ethically Standard 4.07 allows psychologists to disclose confidential information for didactic or other purposes if there are necessary steps to disguise the organization or person, the person has consented in writing, and there is legal authorization to do so (Teo, 2015). The doctor does not take any action to ensure any of these conditions are fulfilled. If I were a psychologist involved in this scenario, I would approach it differently. My primary objective would be heeding the requirements of the patient. The patient is keen to have the therapy confidential. As such, one option would have been to agree to their request at not having their personal accounts included in the publication. However, if the quality of the book and its potential as a didactic tool declines significantly without the personal accounts, I would inform the patient that the code of conduct provides guidelines on concealing the identity of the client. This would be complemented by seeking their consent in writing. If the patient would fail to consent in writing, then I would not coerce them into agreeing with my requests.