About the Book

Ethical Practice in Applied Psychology helps prepare Australian students for registration through an exploration of ethical principles, providing the basis for psychological practice. Written to align with the Australian Psychological Society's Code of Ethics, this book offers a clear and accessible explanation of the Code and its subsequent guidelines. Case studies throughout help students learn how to apply the Code to real scenarios, provide a theoretical context to ethical situations and provoke discussion of issues relating to ethical dilemmas. With an engaging writing style and clear structure, Ethical Practice in Applied Psychology provides students with a deep and clinically useful education in ethics and empowers them to make ethical decisions in the transition to practice.KEY FEATURESExcellent case examples bring the complexities of ethical decision-making to lifeBased on the Australian Psychological Society's Code of Ethics and Ethical GuidelinesEncourages best practice with a focus on scenarios where good practice is exemplifiedKey terms, margin notes and questions to consider support student learningEthical Practice in Applied Psychology is listed as recommended reading for the National Psychology Examination by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Core Ethical Requirements for Psychologists in Australia 1. Why Bother with Ethics? Introduction General perception of psychologists The APS Code of Ethics Ethics, the law and morality An ethical code in practice Chapter summary References 2. The Three Keys to Ethical Practice: Competence, Confidentiality and Consent Introduction Competence Confidentiality Informed consent Chapter summary Questions to consider References 3. Decision Assistance Model for Australian Psychologists Introduction Ethical decision-making The Decision Assistance Model for Australian Psychologists Chapter summary Questions to consider References Part 2: Managing Boundaries and Working with Groups 4. Managing Professional Boundaries Introduction Multiple and dual relationships Boundary crossings and violations Power imbalance Non-exploitation of a client Chapter summary Questions to consider References 5. Working with Clients who Cannot or Do not Give Consent Introduction Clients who cannot give consent Clients who do not consent to services Other issues when working with clients who may not be able to give consent Chapter summary Questions to consider References 6. Diverse Clients Introduction Client diversity Competence with diverse client groups Communication Chapter summary Questions to consider References Part 3: Clients who Pose a Risk to Themselves or Others 7. Working with Clients who Pose a Risk to Themselves Introduction Clients with suicidal ideation Self-harm and behaviours that place the client at risk Dangerous or risky client behaviour that endangers the client Chapter summary Questions to consider References 8. Working with Clients who Pose a Risk to Others Introduction Clients who pose a risk to others Legal and ethical issues when working with a client who poses a risk of harm to third parties Client criminal activity Legal and ethical obligations in relation to suspected child abuse or abuse of other vulnerable groups Potential risk of harm to psychologists from clients Chapter summary Questions to consider References Part 4: Two Spheres of Practice: Research and Assessment 9. Ethical Issues in Research Introduction The APS General Principles Shock at La Trobe University, 1973 Gauging risk and the NHMRC National Statement Duty of care and non-maleficence Informed consent Coercion, inducement and deception Conflict of interest Reporting and publication of results Vulnerability Milgram’s experimental legacy Chapter summary Questions to consider References 10. Ethical Assessment and Intervention Introduction Psychological assessment Psychological testing Cultural diversity and testing Psychological assessment reporting Intervention Therapies involving psychologist–client physical contact Group therapy Chapter summary Questions to consider References Part 5: A Guide to Gaining and Maintaining Registration, and the Ethical Issues in Professional Practice 11. Clinical Practice: Privacy Legislation, Records, Delegation, Advertising and Finances Introduction Client records Privacy Structure of client records Ownership of client records Access to the client record Storage of client records Office workflow Termination of service Service delegation and other professionals Advertising Financial limitations Chapter summary Questions to consider References 12. Gaining and Maintaining Registration Introduction Pathways to becoming a registered psychologist After registration Practice endorsements Chapter summary Questions to consider References Appendix Annotated APS Code of Ethics General Principle A: Respect for the Rights and Dignity of People and Peoples General Principle B: Propriety General Principle C: Integrity