Psichologists' Union of Armenenia NGO

Professional Ethics and Deontology of the Psychologist

The professional ethics of a psychologist are realized through adherence to the moral requirements and behavioral norms specific to the profession, in their relations with colleagues, the scientific community, research participants, experts, and individuals seeking psychological assistance.

Alongside the general moral principles and norms important for all scientists (such as scientific honesty and accuracy, refraining from appropriating others’ ideas and research results during data collection, avoiding hasty conclusions based on unverified data, maintaining personal scientific views in any professional environment, and engaging in discussions with even the most authoritative scientists), a psychologist-scientist must avoid using research methods, techniques, or procedures that degrade the dignity or interests of the research participants. The psychologist must strictly maintain the confidentiality of information provided by the participants and inform them about the aims of the study.

If disclosing the aims beforehand could bias the participant’s responses, the psychologist must explain the true purpose after the experiment. If the study intrudes into personal or intimate areas, participants must be given the unconditional right to withdraw at any time. The psychologist remains morally responsible for the societal consequences of any recommendations made based on their findings.

Ethical Norms of the Psychologist

The psychologist’s work serves humanistic and social goals: well-being, health, quality of life, and full development of individuals and groups in various social formations. As psychologists are not the only professionals working toward these aims, cooperation and experience-sharing with other specialists are desirable and sometimes necessary, free of prejudice toward others’ competence and knowledge.

Psychology as a profession is governed by principles common to all professional codes of ethics: respect for the individual, protection of human rights, sense of responsibility, honesty and integrity with clients, caution in applying tools and procedures, professional competence, commitment to intervention goals, and a solid scientific basis for those interventions.

Psychologists must not participate in or contribute to methods that undermine a person’s independence, physical or psychological integrity. Participating in or facilitating torture or degrading treatment is not only a crime but the gravest violation of professional ethics. Psychologists must neither directly nor indirectly participate in such practices, regardless of the victim, the charges against them, the potential information gain, or the circumstances (e.g., armed conflict, civil war, revolutions, terrorism).

Psychologists should at least inform their professional associations about violations of human rights, cruelty, or inhumane detention conditions they become aware of, regardless of the victim’s identity. They must respect clients’ religious and moral beliefs and take these into account during professional interventions.

Psychologists must not discriminate based on origin, age, race, social status, gender, belief, ideology, nationality, or any other distinguishing characteristic. They must not use their professional authority over clients for personal gain or to benefit third parties.

In particular, psychologists must be cautious and critical in written documents and avoid terms or judgments that could be perceived as derogatory or discriminatory (e.g., “normal/abnormal,” “adapted/maladapted,” “intelligent/mentally retarded”). They must not use manipulative procedures to attract clients or establish monopolies in their field.

Psychologists must not allow their name or signature to be used inappropriately by unqualified individuals. They must report any violations of others’ rights that come to their attention. Unethical, ineffective, or deceitful actions must not be covered up by appealing to a psychologist’s authority.

When a client’s interests conflict with the institution’s, the psychologist must remain impartial, respecting and prioritizing the client’s interests and acting as their advocate if necessary.

On Professional Competence and Relations with Other Specialists

Psychologists’ rights and responsibilities rest on professional independence and autonomy, regardless of position or rank within an organization. Their status depends on their competence and qualifications necessary to fulfill their duties, and they are responsible for maintaining their professional knowledge and skills at a modern level.

Psychologists must not use untested methods or those outside the scope of established scientific knowledge. When testing unvalidated methods, clients must be informed beforehand. Research results and data from interventions are confidential and should only be accessible to professionals obligated to maintain confidentiality.

When collaboration with specialists from other fields is necessary, psychologists must ensure it serves the well-being of both themselves and the client. Psychological methods must not be mixed with practices inconsistent with scientific psychology.

Psychologists must not discriminate against colleagues or representatives of other professions who use the same or different scientific methods, and they should treat scientifically and professionally competent schools of thought with respect.

On Intervention

Psychologists must decline to intervene if convinced that their help would harm or act against the legitimate interests of individuals, groups, organizations, or communities. They must inform clients about the main issues being addressed, the goals of the intervention, and the methods used. For minors or legally incapacitated individuals, parents or guardians must also be informed.

Psychologists must avoid manipulations and foster clients’ autonomy and decision-making capacity. They should end interventions once goals are achieved or deemed unattainable and inform clients about alternatives, including referrals to other professionals. Clients’ freedom to end the intervention or seek other opinions must never be restricted.

Psychologists must not demand special working conditions or fees beyond customary norms, nor allow themselves to be placed in ambiguous professional roles.

When working with advertising or commercial organizations, they must aim to ensure truthful information and protect individual interests. Psychologists must avoid creating unrealistic expectations they cannot professionally fulfill.

On Research and Education

All psychologists should contribute to scientific and professional progress by conducting research and remaining committed to scientific approaches, as well as passing on their knowledge to students and other professionals. They must avoid any actions in research that may cause lasting, irreversible, or unnecessary harm to participants, who must give informed consent to participate (parents/guardians must consent for minors or incapacitated persons).

If the research involves temporary discomfort (e.g., electric shock, sensory deprivation), the psychologist must ensure participants are fully informed and free from coercion and may withdraw at any time. If deception is necessary, it must not cause harm and must be revealed after the study.

All psychological research must respect individual dignity, beliefs, privacy, and modesty, especially with vulnerable populations such as the elderly, sick, or detained individuals.

In animal research, unnecessary suffering or harm must be avoided or minimized. Painkillers and preventive measures must be used during surgery, and international standards must guide the treatment and euthanasia of animals.

General Principles

Unlike enforceable ethical standards, general principles are intended to inspire psychologists toward the highest ideals of the profession.

• Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
  Psychologists strive to benefit those they work with and to do no harm, safeguarding the welfare and rights of affected persons and animals. They resolve conflicts responsibly to avoid harm and remain aware of factors that could lead to misuse of their influence. They consider how their physical and mental health affects their ability to help others.

• Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility
  Psychologists establish trust-based relationships, recognize their responsibilities to society, clarify roles, accept accountability, avoid conflicts of interest, and support ethical conduct among peers. They may engage in professional services even when compensation is limited or absent.

• Principle C: Integrity
  Psychologists promote honesty and truthfulness in science, teaching, and practice. They avoid fraud, misrepresentation, and deception unless ethically justified to maximize benefits and minimize harm.

• Principle D: Justice
  Psychologists ensure equal access to and benefit from psychology for all individuals and exercise reasonable judgment to avoid unjust practices.

• Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity
  Psychologists respect the dignity, privacy, and self-determination of all people and provide additional safeguards for vulnerable populations. They strive to eliminate biases based on personal or cultural factors and avoid participating in discriminatory practices.

References:

• APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, 2010–2016: https://www.apa.org/ethics/code

• Avanesyan, H.M. Experimental Psychology, 2nd Ed., YSU Press, Yerevan, 2021

• Братусь Б.С. Психология и этика, psychojournal.ru

• Ethical Code of the Russian Psychological Society, 2021: psyrus.ru