ETHICAL ISSUE: Bush on a couch

[Patricia Spiegel]

Below are the relevant parts of the current (and quite new) code that, I think, makes this example ethically ambivalent.  Previous codes were strict and specific about diagnosing people one had never met, and media (radio) psychologists were admonished to refrain from diagnosing those who called in.  It appears that as long as Frank explains how he did what he did, there would be no ethical problem with the APA.  (I am a Democrat and strong Kerry supporter, but this still bothers me some--I guess because I helped write the earlier codes that were more protective of people being "analyzed" by the popular press.  I also wonder if authors run the risk of being sued for defamation?) 5.04 Media Presentations When psychologists provide public advice or comment via print, Internet, or other electronic transmission, they take precautions to ensure that statements (1) are based on their professional knowledge, training, or experience in accord with appropriate psychological literature and practice; (2) are otherwise consistent with this Ethics Code; and (3) do not indicate that a professional relationship has been established with the recipient. 9.01 Bases for Assessments (a) Psychologists base the opinions contained in their recommendations, reports, and diagnostic or evaluative statements, including forensic testimony, on information and techniques sufficient to substantiate their findings. (b) Except as noted in 9.01c, psychologists provide opinions of the psychological characteristics of individuals only after they have conducted an examination of the individuals adequate to support their statements or conclusions. When, despite reasonable efforts, such an examination is not practical, psychologists document the efforts they made and the result of those efforts, clarify the probable impact of their limited information on the reliability and validity of their opinions, and appropriately limit the nature and extent of their conclusions or recommendations. (c) When psychologists conduct a record review or provide consultation or supervision and an individual examination is not warranted or necessary for the opinion, psychologists explain this and the sources of information on which they based their conclusions and recommendations. --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]