Professional ethics among family therapists in the context of clinical training: A multi-wave critical incident study
Abstract
Research in family therapy has neglected ethical dilemmas in professional relationships. This project is an exploratory study aimed at examining ethical issues among professionals in the clinical training context. Specifically, this study addresses three components: (1) the nature of students' and faculty members' unethical and unprofessional experiences, (2) options suggested by faculty and students for dealing with these experiences, and (3) the degree of consensus in deciding how to deal with these experiences. In addition, suggestions were solicited for assuring that unethical/unprofessional behavior is minimized. This research project is a multi-wave critical incident study combining both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Each component of the study was examined by survey in a separate mailing. Surveys were sent to students and faculty of AAMFT-Accredited family therapy programs. The first round collected critical incidents from 34 participants to determine the nature of family therapist's experiences of unethical behavior with their colleagues. The second round obtained suggestions from 29 participants for dealing with each of the dilemmas generated from the results. In the third round, 287 participants identified the appropriateness of each suggestion and the single option the participant would actually choose to implement. Results were obtained through qualitative analysis of the first two rounds and quantitative analysis of the last. Results suggested that participants tend to promote direct rather than indirect intervention when addressing an ethical concern with colleagues. In addition, dilemmas which achieved the greatest consensus and were rated as the most appropriate option appeared to be those for which clear professional standards already exist (e.g., confidentiality, competence, dual relationships). These results suggest a continuing need for formal training in ethics and a more comprehensive code of ethics. Further research is needed to explore the nature of ethical issues in professional relationships both within the clinical context as well as in other contexts.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Piercy, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Mental health|Social psychology|Social work
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.