Ethical Issues Psychologists are faced with many problems ethically when it comes to using restrictive procedures. Restrictive procedures are misunderstood with not many guidelines or policies to help psychologist know when the procedures are appropriate and ethical. Research by Spreat and Lipinski (1986) searched for answers on restrictive procedures in state policies, guidelines, and federal laws on the use of restrictive procedures (Spreat, 1986). The researchers found very vague and mixed answers in current policies of states and psychology practices. This showed that there needs to be more research on these procedures if psychologist are using them or psychologist should stop using them at all. The inconsistency and lack of policy shows
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This topic has empirical support for the bad uses and the negatives of restrictive procedures but lacks giving alternatives or looking at the effectiveness of restrictive procedures. Empirical support of the effectiveness of the procedures is vital for psychologists who are using procedures that have no empirical support. A psychologist using these procedures is working unethically and breaking the code of conduct. Empirical knowledge that supports these restrictive procedure treatments can be used as guidelines for other psychologist but since the field lacks this aspect psychologist should not use restrictive procedures (Sturmey, 2009). This is important because psychology is a science field and every treatment, medication, or procedure needs to have empirical support by many sources to make sure it will help benefit the …show more content…
The major code that is violated when using restrictive procedures is Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments (2.04). Restrictive procedures lack empirical support, therefore psychologist are breaking this code that states all work is based from established scientific knowledge. Based on this code violation, there is no support on restrictive procedures other than the improper use. There needs to be more empirical knowledge before these techniques are used on patients. The next code that could be violated is avoiding harm (3.04). The psychologist needs to take all steps to not inflict harm on patients and restrictive procedures have been empirically research to cause harm to some patients by injuries and increasing aggression as well as problematic behaviors (Finn & Sturmey, 2009). It is the professional responsibility to limit harm and restrictive procedures are increasing harm in most situations. Two codes that should always be done prior to using restrictive procedures are 4.06 and 3.10. A psychologist should consult with other professionals to ensure these procedures are a last resort and are being used correctly (code 4.06.) Also, the patient or patient's guardian needs to always be informed through consent of the possible procedures that the psychologist may use in treatment and every time the procedure is used (code 3.10.) Lastly, every usage of
This topic has empirical support for the bad uses and the negatives of restrictive procedures but lacks giving alternatives or looking at the effectiveness of restrictive procedures. Empirical support of the effectiveness of the procedures is vital for psychologists who are using procedures that have no empirical support. A psychologist using these procedures is working unethically and breaking the code of conduct. Empirical knowledge that supports these restrictive procedure treatments can be used as guidelines for other psychologist but since the field lacks this aspect psychologist should not use restrictive procedures (Sturmey, 2009). This is important because psychology is a science field and every treatment, medication, or procedure needs to have empirical support by many sources to make sure it will help benefit the …show more content…
The major code that is violated when using restrictive procedures is Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments (2.04). Restrictive procedures lack empirical support, therefore psychologist are breaking this code that states all work is based from established scientific knowledge. Based on this code violation, there is no support on restrictive procedures other than the improper use. There needs to be more empirical knowledge before these techniques are used on patients. The next code that could be violated is avoiding harm (3.04). The psychologist needs to take all steps to not inflict harm on patients and restrictive procedures have been empirically research to cause harm to some patients by injuries and increasing aggression as well as problematic behaviors (Finn & Sturmey, 2009). It is the professional responsibility to limit harm and restrictive procedures are increasing harm in most situations. Two codes that should always be done prior to using restrictive procedures are 4.06 and 3.10. A psychologist should consult with other professionals to ensure these procedures are a last resort and are being used correctly (code 4.06.) Also, the patient or patient's guardian needs to always be informed through consent of the possible procedures that the psychologist may use in treatment and every time the procedure is used (code 3.10.) Lastly, every usage of