Code of Ethics 1986

NOTE: The 1986 Code has now been superceded by a new
"Code of Ethics for Psychologists Working in Aotearoa/NewZealand", adopted in 2002.
The new Code will be available via this website shortly.

Contents (of the 1986 Code)

Objectives and Status

Responsibility

Competence and Accountability

Description of Services

Confidentiality

Professional Relations

Research with Humans

Teaching and Research Using Animals

Publications and Public Statements

Psychological Assessment

Decisions of Council

Acknowledgement

Objectives and Status of the 1986 Code of Ethics

The Code has three main purposes:

1. to unify the practices of the profession

2. to guide psychologists

3. to present a set of guidelines which can be made available to the public in order to inform them of the professional standards of psychologists.

General acceptance of this Code establishes a standard against which psychologists' professional behaviour may be evaluated. Behaviour contrary to the advice of the Code amounts to behaviour against the best advice of the profession. The Code will be used by committees of Council and by Council itself in making decisions and in determining appropriate courses of action regarding complaints concerning the ethical behaviour of members.

Format

Each Section of the Code comprises an initial statement of general principles followed by exemplars of specific principles.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Code the following definitions apply:

The Society:	The New Zealand Psychological Society Inc.
The Council:	The Council of the Society.
Practitioners:	Psychologists engaged in applying their knowledge and skills in applied settings. This includes applied social, child, clinical, community, consulting, counselling, educational, forensic, industrial, occupational and personnel psychology.
Clients:	Individuals, groups, communities, organisations or institutions who are the focus of psychologists' professional services.
Intervention:	Any professional activity intended to produce change in a client.

Responsibility

Psychologists are expected to maintain professional objectivity and integrity; to apply professional knowledge and skills to all psychological work undertaken; to support actively the objective of advancing psychological knowledge; and to respect the cultural environment in which they work.

1.1	Psychologists engaged in research conduct unbiased investigations relevant to the understanding of behaviour, through the selection and development of appropriate research techniques, and through the timely and adequate disclosure of research findings to the professional and scientific community.
1.2	Psychologists engaged in teaching help students to acquire knowledge and skill, to achieve high standards of scholarship, and to develop independent thought.
1.3	While taking account of their obligations under the law, psychologists who are practitioners hold the interests and welfare of their clients to be of primary importance. They recognise that, since psychological practices so directly and intensely affect clients, these should be used only in the best interests of clients.
1.4	The welfare of research subjects, students and clients takes precedence over the self- interest of psychologists and over the interests of colleagues, employers and other agencies.
1.5	Psychologists are sensitive to cultural and social diversity. They recognise that there are differences among people, such as those that may be related to age, sex, or socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds and, when necessary, they obtain training, experience or advice to ensure competent service or research relating to such persons.
1.6	Psychologists present opinions of their own and other psychological viewpoints in a fair and honest fashion.
1.7	Where psychologists become aware of possible misconduct by a professional colleague that cannot be resolved by discussion with the colleague concerned, they take steps to bring the matter to the attention of those charged with the responsibility to investigate it, doing so without malice and with no breaches of confidentiality other than those necessary to the proper investigatory processes.
1.8	Psychologists co-operate with duly constituted committees of the Society, particularly those charged with the duty of investigating any complaints against Members of the Society. Co-operation implies responding to any inquiries promptly and completely and adhering fully to any procedures established by the Society for such investigations.
1.9	Psychologists ensure that they have current knowledge of scientific, technical and professional information relevant to the services that they offer.

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Competence and Accountability

Psychologists, and those under their supervision, should develop, maintain and encourage a high standard of professional training and competence. They accept that they should be accountable for their professional actions.

2.1	Psychologists recognise the boundaries of their own competence and provide only services for which they are qualified by training and experience. They refer matters outside their areas of competence to appropriately qualified persons.
2.2	Psychologists who are practitioners select the most effective intervention under the particular circumstances and with full regard to all known undesirables side effects.
2.3	Psychologists keep sufficient records of their professional activities: a) For their own reference. b) To ensure that at some future date the client, or other psychologists who become responsible for that client, can be informed of the action taken. c) To allow the information to be presented clearly if necessary.
2.4	Psychologists act in such a way that they are able to justify their professional decisions and activities in the light of current psychological knowledge and standards of practice.

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Description of Services

Professional qualifications and descriptions of services help the public to make informed choices of the quality and type of service provided by both individual psychologists and the profession as a whole.

3.1	Psychologists do not misrepresent their qualifications, experience or services.
3.2	Psychologists' announcements of their services must conform to this Code of Ethics and contain only a statement of name, degrees, status, address, telephone number, hours, a brief factual statement of the services provided and any additional relevant or important consumer information not prohibited by this Code of Ethics. Announcements through agencies should conform to these standards. Members of the Society advertising their services should submit proposed advertising material to Council if in any doubt about its appropriateness.
3.3	Psychologists associated with the promotion of professional psychological devices, books, recorded material or other products offered for commercial sale should ensure that any promotional claims can be supported by evidence of a standard acceptable to the profession.

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Confidentiality

A psychologist does not disclose information obtained professionally to any third party without the informed consent of the client or research participant. There are certain exceptions to, and limitations of, that principle.

4.1	The major exceptions/limitations are: a) Incapacity: Where clients are judged incapable of giving consent to disclosure, consent must be sought from those authorised to represent their interests. b) Emergency: Situations may arise when it is impossible or impracticable to seek consent to disclosure in time to prevent harm or injury to the client or some other person. In these circumstances psychologists should decide if information is to be disclosed. In this event it is expected that psychologists should normally report to the client or persons authorised to represent his/her interests, as soon as practicable, any information disclosed to a third party. c) Law: Acts of Parliament and Courts of Law may compel disclosure of information given by a client. Psychologists inform the client, in advance, of such limitations of confidentiality. d) Client or public safety: A psychologist who believes that non-disclosure may endanger a client or another person but is denied permission to disclose, exercises professional judgement, if necessary after consultation with senior colleagues, in deciding whether to breach confidentiality or not. In such circumstances the psychologist is able to justify the decision made.
4.2	In disclosing information, psychologists provide only that which, in their opinion, would enable the recipient to assist their client. Should such information become obsolete, psychologists inform the recipient accordingly.
4.3	Case information in any form (e.g. verbal, visual or written material) in publications, teaching or public presentations is used only where the identity of the clients or subjects concerned is disguised, unless informed consent has been obtained for presentation.
4.4	Where information is gathered by a psychologist for use by a third party, the informed consent of those to whom the information refers is obtained and the recipient is informed by the psychologist of the need to protect confidentiality.
4.5	Psychologists make provision for protecting client confidentiality in the storage and disposal of research and case records.

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Professional Relations

Psychologists do not exploit their professional relationships with clients, supervisees, students, employees, research participants, colleagues in psychology or other professions. They ensure that clients are fully informed of all aspects of the services offered and obtain their informed consent to participate and remain in interventions.

5.1	Psychologists do not condone or engage in sexual harassment, which is defined as, deliberate or repeated comments, gestures, or physical contacts of a sexual nature. Sexual relations with clients are unethical.
5.2	Psychologists have a responsibility to obtain the informed consent of their clients with respect to all aspects of interventions. Informed consent means obtaining the agreement of the client or, where the client is judged incapable of giving informed consent, of those authorised to represent the interests of the client. Informed consent includes: a) Understanding the goals, nature and procedures of an intervention b) Being informed of all aspects of any current or proposed intervention that might influence the client's decision to enter or to continue in that intervention c) Being informed in advance of important aspects of the psychologist-client relationship that might influence a client's decision to enter that relationship, for example financial arrangements concerning professional fees, personal commitments and time constraints d) Being informed that they have a continuing right to refuse or to withdraw consent to participation in the intervention without fear of penalty for exercising that right e) Being informed of the right of access to their own file.
5.2	Psychologists and their clients together determine intervention goals and the methods to achieve those aims. Except when the psychologist is a trainee, such decisions should not be subject to third party approval and any modification or referral should be at their discretion.
5.4	Psychologists terminate a clinical or consulting relationship when it is clear that the client is not benefiting from it. When appropriate they offer to help the client find alternative sources of assistance.

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Research With Humans

Psychologists ensure that research investigations meet general scientific standards of competency and are sensitive to the welfare and dignity of the participants.

6.1	Psychologists obtain the informed consent of participants except where its exclusion can be justified by the research methodology. Informed consent means agreement to participate in the research or, where necessary, agreement by those authorised to represent the interests of any person judged to be incapable of giving informed consent, and includes: a) Being informed of the purpose, nature and procedures of the research b) Being informed of any research procedures that might have harmful effects on them c) Being informed of the right to withdraw from a research project at any stage and, if they have been paid to participate, the conditions of withdrawal d) Being informed of the right to knowledge of the use to which the data may be put and of the outcome of the study.
6.2	Psychologists take all possible steps to protect participants from physical and mental discomfort, harm or danger. If the risk of such consequences exists and the participants give their informed consent to their involvement in the research, all possible steps must be taken to minimise any such risks. Psychologists do not use research procedures if they are likely to cause serious or lasting harm to participants.
6.3	Where methodological requirements of a study involve the use of concealment or deception a psychologist has particular responsibilities. These include justifying the use of such procedures on scientific grounds to an appropriate ethical committee, demonstrating that other, non-deceptive procedures could not be used, obtaining the consent of participants to waive their right to prior information on the nature and purpose of the study and ensuring that all participants are given full explanations as soon as practicable.
6.4	Psychologists have a responsibility to ensure that research carried out by others under their supervision conforms to this Code.
6.5	Psychologists submit their research proposals to ethical committees for review. Where no local ethical review committee exists, psychologists seek review by the Council or its nominees.

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Teaching and Research Using Animals

Psychologists using animals in teaching and research and in applied settings shall give every consideration to their welfare.

7.1	Psychologists conducting such teaching and research are aware of and conform to all legislation relevant to their activities.
7.2	Psychologists must follow such guidelines for the care and treatment of animal subjects as may be established by the Council.
7.3	Psychologists using procedures likely to subject animals to discomfort have particular responsibilities. These include justifying their use on scientific grounds to an appropriate ethical committee, demonstrating that other less discomforting procedures could not be used and taking all possible steps to minimise any discomfort.
7.4	Psychology students using animals in teaching and research settings must be under the supervision of an experienced psychologist responsible for ensuring adherence to these ethical principles.
7.5	Psychologists have a responsibility to ensure that research carried out under their supervision conforms to this Code.
7.6	Psychologists submit their research proposals to ethical committees for review. Where no local ethical review committee exists, psychologists seek review by the Council or its nominees.

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Publication and Public Statements

Psychologists are accurate and objective in reporting data or information and so in a manner that encourages responsible discussion. They restrict their public comments as psychologists to areas of psychology in which they have satisfactory knowledge and to information derived from research findings and theory.

8.1	When presenting research data or information psychologists include relevant details of research findings that may modify or cast doubt upon the interpretation of evidence presented.
8.2	Credit is attributed in a publication in proportion to the contribution made by individuals and organisations. Accurate acknowledgement is given to sources of ideas and information.
8.3	Psychologists avoid excessive and exaggerated claims for their research findings or professional activities in all publications and public statements made through the news media.
8.4	Where incorrect or misleading reports have been given in reference to the work of a psychologist all reasonable steps are taken to correct the error.
8.5	Psychologists do not state or imply that personal statements are made on behalf of other psychologists, the Society, or any other organisations, unless such authority has been granted in advance. Statements on behalf of the society, for possible publication, can be made only by the President or Vice-President or their nominees.

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Psychological Assessment

Psychologists have the prime responsibility for psychological and behavioural assessment, including interviews, observations, standardised tests, questionnaires and psycho- physiological measures, and they ensure that these are used and interpreted only by competent persons.

9.1	Psychologists adequately protect the physical security of assessment instruments, the data they generate and psychological reports based on them.
9.2	Psychologists guard against any misuse or bias in selection, administration, scoring and interpretation of assessment instruments or procedures. They are prepared to justify, in terms of current scientific literature, their use and interpretation of any assessment instrument or procedure. They avoid using instruments which are obsolete or of dubious scientific status.
9.3	Psychologists obtain the informed consent of clients when undertaking psychological assessments. Informed consent means obtaining the consent of the client or, where the client is judged incapable of giving informed consent, the consent of those authorised to represent the interests of the client. Informed consent includes: a) Being informed of the nature and purpose of an assessment b) Being informed of the procedures to be employed in the assessment process (e.g. type and general format of tests or questionnaires, psycho-physiological procedures etc.) c) Being informed of the uses to which the data from assessments will be put and the persons, organisations and/or agencies to whom the data and/or reports will be made available d) Being informed of the right to know the content of psychological assessment reports concerning them.
9.4	In reporting assessment findings to clients and to other professionals, psychologists endeavour to ensure that appropriate explanations of the findings and their interpretations are provided and that they are not misused. Any reservations concerning the validity or reliability of an assessment procedure, arising from its administration, norms or domain- reference, should be made explicit in the report. Psychologists strive to prevent misuse of outdated assessment results.
9.5	Psychologists do not normally release uninterpreted data from assessments to persons who are not specifically trained in the use and interpretation of the instruments concerned.
9.6	Psychologists are responsible for ensuring adequate supervision of assessment instruments of procedures administered, scored or interpreted by others under their direction unless such persons are themselves properly trained in their use.
9.6	Psychologists abide by such guidelines for the standard of training required for the purchase, access to or use of assessment instruments as may be adopted from time to time by the Council.

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Decisions of Council

Psychologists abide by rulings and decisions which are made by Council concerning ethical behaviour and standards of professional conduct.

10.1	It is the responsibility of psychologists to maintain their current knowledge of any rulings and decisions which are made by Council concerning ethical behaviour and standards of professional conduct.

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Acknowledgement

This Code of Ethics was drawn up after consultation with the Codes of Ethics of the British and Australian Psychological Societies, the Canadian Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. Sections of the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles for Psychologists (American Psychologist, 1981, 36(6), 633-638, Copyright (1981) by the American Psychological Association) were reprinted and adapted for inclusion in this revision of the New Zealand Psychological Society's Code of Ethics by permission.

Use of the Code of Ethics

The New Zealand Psychological Society Code of Ethics is Copyright © 1986 by the New Zealand Psychological Society. All rights are reserved. Any reproduction, whether in full or in part, must acknowledge the title. Multiple reproduction must first be approved by the Society. Permission may be obtained from:

The Executive Director

New Zealand Psychological Society

PO Box 4092

Wellington

New Zealand

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This page last updated 01/12/2002