Glossary / Lexicon

Ethical Dilemmas is defined as situations that require ethical judgment calls. Usually, there is more than one right answer and no win-win solution in which people get everything they want.

In the psychology context, ethical dilemmas refer to situations where there is a conflict between ethical principles or moral values. These situations often arise in professional settings, where practitioners must balance their obligations to their clients with their responsibilities to society, their profession, and their own personal beliefs. Here are some examples of ethical dilemmas in psychology:

• Confidentiality vs. Duty to Warn: This is a common ethical dilemma in clinical psychology, where practitioners may be faced with the decision to breach their clients' confidentiality in order to protect them or others from harm. For example, a therapist may learn that their client is planning to harm themselves or others and may need to disclose this information to prevent harm.
• Autonomy vs. Paternalism: This dilemma arises when a practitioner must balance a client's right to make their own decisions with their duty to act in the client's best interests. For example, a therapist may disagree with a client's decision to refuse medication for a mental health condition but must respect the client's autonomy while also attempting to ensure their wellbeing.
• Informed Consent vs. Beneficence: This dilemma arises when a practitioner must balance a client's right to be fully informed about their treatment options with their duty to act in the client's best interests. For example, a therapist may need to explain the risks and benefits of a particular treatment to a client who is not capable of fully understanding the information.
• Competence vs. Self-Determination: This dilemma arises when a practitioner must balance a client's right to make their own decisions with concerns about their capacity to make informed decisions. For example, a therapist may have concerns about a client's ability to make rational decisions due to a mental health condition or cognitive impairment.
• Cultural Competence vs. Universal Ethical Principles: This dilemma arises when a practitioner must balance their obligation to respect and understand a client's cultural background with their commitment to universal ethical principles. For example, a therapist may need to reconcile their own values and beliefs with those of a client from a different cultural background.

Addressing ethical dilemmas in psychology requires careful consideration of the competing ethical principles, as well as an understanding of the relevant laws and regulations. Practitioners must also engage in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on emerging ethical issues and best practices.