2010 Amendments to the 2002 “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct”

Need Help Writing an Essay?

Our team of talented writers is ready to assist. We offer essay writing help in over 75 disciplines, ensuring a convenient and comprehensive solution for all your academic needs!

Get Help Now!

The following amendments to the 2002 “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” (the Ethics Code; American Psychological Association, 2002) were adopted by the APA Council of Representatives at its February 2010 meeting. The changes involve the last two sentences of the final paragraph of the Introduction and Applicability section and Ethical Standards 1.02 and 1.03. The amendments became effective June 1, 2010. A history of these amendments to the Ethics Code is provided in the “Report of the Ethics Committee, 2009” in this issue of the American Psychologist (American Psychological Association, Ethics Committee, 2010).

Following are a clean version of the revisions and a version indicating changes from the 2002 language (inserted text is underlined; deleted text is crossed out). The full Ethics Code with the amendments is available at www.apa.org/ethics; a print copy may be obtained from the APA Ethics Office.

Final Amendments

INTRODUCTION AND APPLICABILITY

If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority, psychologists make known their commitment to this Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner in keeping with basic principles of human rights.

1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority

If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. Under no circumstances may this standard be used to justify or defend violating human rights.

1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands

If the demands of an organization with which psychologists are affiliated or for whom they are working are in conflict with this Ethics Code, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the