Running Head: EDPS 604 ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

Ethical Decision-Making Process Model

Christina P. Majcher
University of Calgary

EDPS 604 ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

Applying The Ethical Decision-Making Model

Step 1. Identification of Individuals and Groups Potentially Affected by the Decision
Those individuals that I see being affected by any decision I make are the two women,
the two accused therapists, the accused therapists current clients, all of the women in the current
study, the womens current therapists and previous therapists of all other women involved in the
study. This further extends to the university, my supervisee, society in general and psychology
as a discipline. I believe that my greatest responsibility in this situation is to the two women.
Step 2. Identification of Ethically Relevant Issues and Practices
Principle/Value
My Thoughts
Principle I: Respect For The Dignity Of Person
I.1 Demonstrate appropriate respect for the
I need to respect the expertise of the
knowledge, insight, experience and areas of

therapists currently working with the women

expertise of others.

as well as the knowledge and insight of the

women.

I.8 Respect the rights of research participants,

I need to convey respect for the women. I

clients, employees, students, trainees, and

need to ensure that I know the complete story.

others to safeguard their own dignity.

In addition, the women may not want to have

the therapists reported and I need to respect
their feelings, personal interests and dignity.
Not including the previous therapists in my

I.11 Seek to design research, teaching, practice

research has perhaps unfairly excluded them

and business activities in such a way that they

as part of the process.

contribute to the fair distribution of benefits to

individuals and groups, and that they do not

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unfairly exclude those who are vulnerable or

might be disadvantaged.

It is imperative that I involve the women and

I.16 Seek as full and active participation as

perhaps their current therapists as they

possible from others in decisions that affect

impacted by whatever decision I make. I

them, respecting and integrating as much as

should take their points of view into

possible their opinions and wishes.

consideration, but not feel bound to follow

their wishes.
Was I was direct with the women in our

I.20 Obtain informed consent for all research

initial meeting concerning the potential

activities that involve obtrusive measures,

consequences of sharing the names of their

invasion of privacy, more than minimal risk of

therapists and my limits to confidentiality? I

harm, or any attempt to change the behaviour

need to maintain open communication.

of the research participants.

Have I been completely open with the women

I.24 Ensure in the process of obtaining

to ensure that they know the purpose of my

informed consent, that at least the following

research as well as confidentiality protections

points are understood: purpose and nature of

and limitations? Did I document these

the activity; mutual responsibilities;

conversations? Have I documented the

confidentiality protections and limitations;

informed consent process?

likely benefits and risks; alternatives; the likely

consequences of non-action; the option to
refuse or withdraw at any time, without
prejudice; over what period of time the consent
applies; and, how to rescind consent if desired.

Does knowing the names of the individuals

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I.37 Seek and collect only information that is

affect or influence the intent of my

germane to the purpose(s) for which consent

dissertation? Is this relevant information that

has been obtained.

should be recorded?
I need to be careful with relaying this

I.43 Be careful not to relay information about

information to colleagues when consulting to

colleagues, colleagues clients, research

help protect the clients and therapists

participants, employees, supervisees, students,

privacy.

trainees, and members of organizations, gained

in the process of their activities as
psychologists.

I need to be aware that the information that

I.45 Share confidential information with others

the women shared with me is not my

only with the informed consent of those

information to share with others, without

involved, or in a manner that the persons

everyones informed consent. I need to

involved cannot be identified, except as

determine how harmful this has been or could

required or justified by law, or in circumstances be to future clients.

of actual or possible serious harm or death.

Any encouragement for the women to report

I. 46 Encourage others, in a manner consistent

the relationships must be supported by their

with this Code, to respect the dignity of persons right to dignity and respect.
and to expect respect for their own dignity.
Principle II: Responsible Caring
II.1 Protect and promote the welfare of clients,

Is sharing this information in the best interest

research participants, employees, supervisees,

of the women? Is it in the best interest of

students, trainees, colleagues, and others.

everyone else involved? How can I care

responsibly for all of the people involved? I

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5
feel that the women are the most vulnerable
people in this situation as the therapist held
the power in this relationship.

II.2 Avoid doing harm to clients, research

Sharing this information or encouraging the

participants, employees, supervisees, students,

women to report their previous therapists

trainees, colleagues, and others.

might cause more harm to the women or their

current therapists.

II.13 Assess the individuals, families, groups,

I must ensure that I have a good idea of

and communities involved in the activities

whether or not the women could emotionally

adequately enough to ensure that they will be

withstand reporting the therapists. I am not

able to discern what will benefit and not harm

sure about the intent and degree of harm at

the person involved.

this stage.

II.40 Act to stop or offset the consequences of

Are the therapists engaging in this type of

seriously harmful activities being carried out

relationship frequently with other clients?

by another psychologist or member of another

Whether it has been one or several acts, this

discipline, when there is objective

behaviour is unethical.

information
Principle III: Integrity In Relationships
III.1 Not knowingly participate in, condone, or

If the allegations are false or have been

be associated with dishonesty, fraud or

misinterpreted in any way, I could seriously

misrepresentation.

damage the careers of the therapists.

III.10 Evaluate how their personal experiences,

I need to ask myself if I am affected by

attitudes, values, social context, individual

knowing this extra information. Am I filling

differences, stresses and specific training

a personal need by not letting them get away

EDPS 604 ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

influence their activities and thinking,

with this type of behaviour? I need to

integrating this awareness into all attempts to

remain unbiased. Regardless of the

be objective and unbiased in their research,

commonalities, I need to ensure that I treat

service and other activities.

these situations separately as they are two

different scenarios with different individuals
and must be treated as such.

III.11 Take care to communicate as completely

I need to ensure that I have all of the facts

and objectively as possible, and to clearly

before I proceed to share with all parties

differentiate facts, opinions, theories,

involved if requested to do so.

hypotheses, and ideas, when communicating

knowledge, finding and views.
III.16 Fully explain reasons for their actions to

I will have to justify my course of action to

persons who have been affected by their

all parties affected and involved. Perhaps I

actions, if appropriate and if asked.

can share aspects of this step process?

III.17 Honour all promises and commitments

I have promised confidentiality to the

included in any written or verbal agreement,

women. However, sharing the names of the

unless serious and unexpected circumstances

therapists was an unexpected and serious

intervene.

circumstance.

III.19 Carry out, present and discuss research in I need to ensure that knowing the names of
a way that is consistent with a commitment to

two of the therapists does not affect my

honest, open inquiry, and to clear

research in any way. Have I been completely

communication of any research aims,

clear what this research is about and for?

sponsorship, social context, personal values, or

Does it deter me from my original project?

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financial interests that might affect or appear to

affect the research.
III.23 Not engage in incomplete disclosure, or

If I had the women fill in a questionnaire,

in temporarily leading research participants to

would it have avoided the sharing of the

believe that a research project or some aspect

names of the therapists? Was the sharing of

of it has a different purpose, if there are

information a result of how I collected my

alternate procedures available or if the negative

information?

effects can not be predicted or offset.

III.24 Not engage in incomplete disclosure, or

If the women knew that I would feel the need

in temporarily leading research participants to

to report the therapists behaviour as

believe that a research project or some aspect

unethical, would they have shared their story

of it has a different purpose, if it would

with me in the first place?

interfere with the persons understanding of

facts that might clearly influence a decision to
give adequately informed consent.
III.26 Debrief research participants as soon as

I need to speak with all of the women who

possible after the participants involvement, if

have provided me with information for my

there has been incomplete disclosure or

paper if I am going to act on my concerns in

temporary leading of research participants to

regards to the two therapists. I need to ensure

believe a research project or some aspect of it

open communication.

has a different purpose.

III.28 Act to re-establish with research

If I share this information with all of the

participants any trust that might have been lost

women in the study, they may not trust me to

EDPS 604 ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

due to the use of incomplete disclosure or

share their whole story. They may edit the

temporary leading research participants to

information for fear of being reprimanded or

believe that the research project of some aspect

having someone that they potentially cared

of it a different purpose.

about reported.

III.36 Familiarize themselves with their

I need to talk to my supervisor/professor to

disciplines rules and regulations, and abide by

determine the best course of action. I will

them, unless abiding by them would be

also review the codes and standards to refresh

seriously detrimental to the rights and welfare

myself on the rules and regulations.

of others.
III.37 Familiarize themselves with and

I need to ensure that I am following the rules

demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the

and regulations. My concern is that if I report

standards of their discipline

the therapists, it may be detrimental to the

welfare of the women. If I dont report the
therapists, I may be putting other women at
risk. Also, if I dont report the therapists, am
I condoning behaviour not in keeping with
the standards of our discipline?

III.38 Seek consultations from colleagues

I have the time and resources to check with

and/or appropriate groups and committees, and

my supervisors/professors and other

give due regard to their advice in arriving at a

psychologists about my concerns and

responsible decision, if faced with difficult

possible courses of action. Hopefully this can

decisions
Principle IV: Responsibility To Society
IV.10 Uphold the disciplines responsibility to

help me ensure objectivity of the situation.

By not reporting the therapists, am I

EDPS 604 ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

society by promoting and maintaining the

upholding the disciplines responsibility to

highest standards of the discipline

society? What if these therapists are making

a habit of entering into sexual relationships
with their clients?

IV. 13 Uphold the disciplines responsibility to

The Standard brings up the concern that I

society by bringing incompetent or unethical

have a responsibility to society to do what I

behaviour, including missuses of psychological

can to ensure that other psychologists are not

knowledge and techniques, to the attention of

harming their clients. However, whatever

appropriate authorities, committees, or

choice I make, I need to make sure that it is

regulatory bodies, in a manner consistent with

ethical and well thought through.

the ethical principles of this Code.

IV.16 Convey respect for and abide by

The role of a therapist is to help and not

prevailing community mores, social customs,

intentionally harm their clients. Due to the

and cultural expectations in their scientific and

unequal balance of power and influence of a

professional activities, provided that this does

therapist, it is impossible for a client to give

not contravene any of the ethical principles of

meaningful consent. If my role is to only

the Code.

collect information for research purposes, is it

my place to get involved?

IV.30 Encourage others, in a manner consistent

Would it be helpful for me to encourage the

with this Code, to exercise responsibility to

women to report the therapists to act in the

society

best interest of future clients working with

these therapists? How will that affect my
relationship with them?

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10

Step 3. Consideration of How Personal Biases, Stresses, or Self-interest Might Influence

the Development of or Choice Between Courses of Action
My initial reaction was frustration, confusion and anger: frustration that the women
shared the information with me as it puts me in a difficult position; confusion with my role and
whether or not it is my place to report these therapists; and anger at the therapists for acting
unethically with their clients. I have high expectations for how therapists interact with their
clients and get frustrated when a person in a position of power takes advantage of a vulnerable
person. However, I understand that I have not heard the other point of view. Two grown adults
entering into a sexual relationship is not ethically appropriate with a therapist-client relationship;
however, these situations do happen. The therapists should have maintained appropriate
boundaries. I also have to remember that I am not in the role of a therapist to these women and
that I asked for the information (with the exception of the names) for research purposes. If I am
not counselling these women, how can I support them through the process or after affect of
reporting their previous therapists? That is not my role and I have limited experience in that
area. I need to gather more information and speak with my supervisor/professor before I decide
on my course of action.
Step 4. Development of Alternative Courses of Action
After going through the Ethical Principles and Respective Values and Standards, I have
decided that I have ruled out some courses of action: a) do nothing, just collect the data I need
for my research and forget about the names, or b) report the therapists immediately to their
regulatory body. There are two courses of action that I think I should explore further:
Alternative 1. First, I will phone my supervisor/professor to better understand my role in
this situation, share my concerns and discuss a possible course of action. They will be able to

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11

guide me and help me understand if there is any part of the process that I may be missing. If
they feel that it is appropriate, I will phone the women and get more information from them in
regards to the sexual relationships. I can explain my concern for what they experienced, but also
my concern for future clients who work with these therapists. I need to ensure that the women
were clients of the therapist at the time of the sexual relations or how soon after they were clients
(ie determine if it was less than 2 yrs). I can state that I am very conflicted knowing this
information, as it is unethical for therapists to get sexually involved with their clients. I will
review the limits to confidentiality that I have previously discussed with them. I can outline
sections of the Code to help the women understand that there are no circumstances in which
sexual activity with a client is okay and that it is always considered detrimental regardless of
what a therapist may say to justify this type of relationship. If these therapists did not act in the
best interest of their clients, have caused harm to the women and are at danger of potentially
harming other women, then I will report them to their respective regulatory bodies.
Alternative 2. As with the first course of action, I will call or meet with my
supervisor/professor to discuss my concerns and thoughts for a course of action. I will also seek
guidance to better understand my role and duties in this situation. If my supervisor feels that
exploring this further is within my role, I will contact the women to speak with them. I will also
ask for permission to speak with their current therapists. In addition, I will ask my supervisor to
recommend any psychologists familiar with supporting women who have been in sexual
relationships with their therapists to learn strategies on how to attend to the concerns of the
women. When speaking with the women, I will explain that I am in a difficult position knowing
the names of the therapists and I am concerned about their well being as well as the well-being of
future women who work with these therapists. First, I will get an idea of how they feel about

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12

what happened. These respective past sexual relationships could have had detrimental residual
effects on their current therapeutic needs. Unresolved feelings, anger, resentment or feelings of
mistrust could manifest from these encounters. If so, will encouraging them to report the
therapists cause more damage? I will share the information from the Code that indicates that
under no circumstance is a therapist to engage in sexual relations with their clients. I will also
review the limits to confidentiality that I originally shared with them. Next, I will call their
current therapist to explain the situation, discuss my concerns and discuss the possibility of the
women needing support throughout this process. I can also determine whether or not the current
therapists have already reported the sexual relationships. If I feel that it is in the best interest of
the women and that they have enough of a support system to help them through the process, I
will encourage them to report their previous therapists to their regulatory bodies. If the women
are hesitant, I will continue to try to support them until they are comfortable reporting the
therapists.
Step 5. Analysis of Likely Short-term, Ongoing and Long-term Risks and Benefits
Possible Positive Consequences

Possible Negative Consequences

Alternative 1

Engaging and discussing concerns with

The women could be very upset or even

supervisor will help ensure that I am

angry with me and not want me to precede

following protocol as a student, but also

any further.
The women could be confused as I assured

reinforce the importance of collaboration

confidentiality in the beginning and

and guidance.
Obtain a better understanding of the

perhaps didnt explain the limits to my

womens perspectives of the situation,

therefore ensuring that I am acting in their

ability to uphold confidentiality.

As the information is only coming from

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best interest.
Ensure that I have all of the correct

information.
I am providing the women with

their allegations are not true, I could

information to help prevent future

seriously damage the therapists careers

situations.

and significantly affect all of their current

Alternative 2

clients.
I could compromise my current research
The women could be upset with me for

Engaging in conversation with my

the women and not the therapists, it could

be skewed from their perspective and if

supervisor as well as the current therapists

asking to speak with their current

working with these women will help

therapist. They may be concerned that we

ensure that I am not overstepping

will psychoanalyze the situation that is

boundaries or my role, and reinforce the

truly about them.

The current therapist could be upset with

importance of consultation.
Obtaining more information from the

me for stirring up old or dealt with

current therapist will help me determine a

emotions of interfering with their clients

suitable course of action.

Consulting with a psychologist familiar

emotional well being.

My role was to collect information for

research, not to council or advise their

with women in this type of situation will

ensure that I am meeting the womens

needs.
Encouraging the women to report the
therapists is helping to empower them and

clients.
The women may not want to report the
therapists and could be angry with me for

suggesting that they do.

The women could ask to be withdrawn

from my research.
This decision may affect how others see

move past the situation.

me and interact with me as I enter the

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14
profession.

Step 6. Choice of Course of Action

Alternative II is the best choice. It is respectful and thoughtful to the effects on all parties
involved. It includes consulting with my supervisor, the referring therapists, another
psychologist and the women. I will do everything in my power to ensure that the women
understand my reasoning and my ethical responsibilities. I will ensure that they are comfortable
with the decision. The rationale is to help these women as well as protect other women from
being taken advantage of unethical therapists in the future.
Step 7. Action with a Commitment to Assume Responsibility for the Consequences
I need to act and monitor the results. I need to be aware that there will likely be
consequences for my actions. I also have to consider the consequences for my supervisor and
the existing clients of the accused therapists. It is important that I maintain healthy, professional
and supportive relationships with all parties involved and minimize the most harm to all
involved.
Step 8. Evaluation of the Results of the Course of Action
In evaluating the results of my decision, I may focus on the way that I set-up and
collected consent for my research paper. Next time, I need to ensure that I share all of the
potential scenarios with individuals before we get started. I will also ensure that I discuss the
limitations to confidentiality.
Step 9. Assumption of Responsibility for the Consequences of Action
I will address any unanticipated negative consequences immediately. I will maintain an
open dialogue throughout this process to be able to address issues as they arise. This scenario
will have a much larger impact on others. It is not about me. I will adjust as needed based on

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the feedback that I receive throughout the ethical-decision making process. As it proceeds, I will
consider any remedial actions that may need to take place.
Step 10. Appropriate Action, as Warranted and Feasible, to Prevent Future Occurrences
I need to provide more information, open communication and clarification of the intent of
my research. I must ensure that I am clear with the ethical implications of sharing personal
information and if that does occur, how ethical issues will be addressed. It is important that I am
extremely clear on informed consent, confidentiality, and my role and responsibility with
collecting information for research purposes. I also need to make sure that I discuss any future
research concerns and potential problems with my supervisor/professor to ensure that I am
implementing the most effective procedures to collect information in a manner that helps prevent
the sharing of too much information.
REFERENCES
Sinclair, C., & Pettifor, J. (Eds.) (2001). Companion manual to the Canadian Code of Ethics for
Psychologists (3rd ed.). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Psychological Association.
Truscott, D., & Cook, K. H. (2004). Ethics for the practice of psychology in Canada. Edmonton,
AB: University of Alberta Press.
EDPS 604: Ethics
Learning Task 2 Ethical Decision Making Assignment
Student
:

Task Description
For this task, you will use the Decision-Making Process Model from the Canadian Code of
Ethics for Psychologists (Chapter 5 in the CPA Companion Manual). You may also use or
complement the information in the process with such models as the Canadian Counselling
Associaion, the American Psychological Association, or the Feminist Therapy approach for
Decision Making.
Based on your interest and specialty niche in which you hope to eventually practice, you will
choose a relevant vignette posted on the Blackboard Learning Task #2 Selected Vignettes
and work through the Ethical Decision-Making steps to arrive at a decision that you consider
ethical and legal for the course of action you will take in the case.

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The assignment should be no more than 15 double-spaced pages, typewritten pages,

including possible references. The assignment may be submitted in point form, as long as
the content is clearly presented and follows APA format (6th edition). Late submissions will
be penalized 5% of the overall grade for every day after due date.

Grading
Criteria:
APA Style in the presentation and
organization of the paper.
Addresses all steps in model. Choose a
vignette and apply all of the steps for
ethical decision making.
Demonstrates understanding of ethical
issues. Discussion about ethical issue
at every step in the process.
Recognition of personal interactions
and the impact the decision will have
on those interactions.
Clear rationale for decision.

Mark
3

(Out of)
3

Good discussion

good

Missing some clarity on the

decision process leaves the
outcomes not clearly defined.

Recognizes the responsibility for the

consequences of the decision and
create steps and create steps to
minimize harm and increase benefit for
outcomes.

TOTAL (out of 20):

General comments/feedback:

Comments/Feedback
Great format in accordance
with style
Very comprehensive analysis
of steps. Excellent awareness
of issues.

18/20

Excellent discussion Christina the process was developed with

understanding of the standards as well as with personal reflections that
added sensitivity to the topic and action items. Resolution of the ethical
dilemma appeared missing a couple of steps..