Kitchener’s moral model a model that describes the role of five (5) moral principles in the making of ethical decisions which include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity.
Kitchener's moral model is a model of ethical decision-making in psychology that focuses on the moral reasoning process involved in making decisions. Developed by Patricia Kitchener, the model proposes that ethical decision-making involves three stages of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
- Pre-conventional stage: At this stage, individuals make decisions based on their own self-interest. They follow rules only to avoid punishment or gain rewards.
Example: A psychologist might falsify data to avoid being punished by their supervisor.
- Conventional stage: At this stage, individuals make decisions based on societal norms and values. They follow rules because they believe it is important to do so.
Example: A psychologist might refuse to share confidential information about a client because they believe it is unethical to do so.
- Post-conventional stage: At this stage, individuals make decisions based on personal moral principles and values. They are willing to question societal norms and values.
Example: A psychologist might challenge a policy or practice that they believe is unethical, even if it goes against the norm in their field.
Kitchener's model emphasizes the importance of developing moral reasoning skills in psychology students and professionals. It also highlights the need to critically evaluate societal norms and values and to consider the impact of decisions on all stakeholders.
Overall, Kitchener's moral model provides a framework for understanding the moral reasoning process involved in ethical decision-making in psychology.