Ethical Dilemmas and U.S. Air Force Clinical Psychologists: A Survey

Although psychologists work in widely varying settings, all encounter ethical dilemmas. Those who are also officers in the U.S. Air Force have the double burden of upholding the ethics code of psychologists while also supporting the mission of the Air Force. Does this create unique ethical dilemmas?...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Professional psychology, research and practice research and practice, 2001-06, Vol.32 (3), p.305-311
Main Authors: Orme, Daniel R, Doerman, Alan L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air Force Personnel
Conflict
Ethics
Human
Military officers
Polls & surveys
Professional ethics
Psychologists
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Summary:Although psychologists work in widely varying settings, all encounter ethical dilemmas. Those who are also officers in the U.S. Air Force have the double burden of upholding the ethics code of psychologists while also supporting the mission of the Air Force. Does this create unique ethical dilemmas? To address this issue, the authors sent active-duty Air Force psychologists a questionnaire asking them to describe recent ethical conflicts. These conflicts are discussed as they relate to the "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct" ( American Psychological Association, 1992 ) and in comparison with civilian practice. Results suggest a broad range of concerns but center on those related to perceived conflicts between the Air Force mission and the ethical demands of psychologists. Recommendations for dealing with ethical conflicts at the organizational level are offered.
ISSN:0735-7028
1939-1323
DOI:10.1037/0735-7028.32.3.305