Webinar 1: Conscientious objection in psychology - Can psychologists say no to the clients because of their values?
By Assoc. Prof. Miguel Ricou
About the webinar series
The EFPA Board of Ethics organised a series of webinars addressing ethical issues for European psychologists.
The topics reflect either work previously done by the Board of Ethics, or work that is being considered for the future.
The series was hosted by Assoc. Prof. Vita Postuvan Co-Convenor (with Assoc. Prof. Miguel Ricou) from the EFPA Board of Ethics.
The webinars might be relevant to all psychologists, teachers, and students of psychology.
Content of the webinar
Conscientious objection is the refusal to perform a legal role or responsibility due to personal beliefs. This is a controversial issue. Some authors argue that health professionals have the right to express their fundamental values, like any other person. Other authors argue that by assuming the role of health professional, the person is assuming compliance with the ethical principles associated with this profession, and therefore this should take precedence over their personal principles.
Between these two models, there is a group of mediators who aim to promote more balanced solutions which do not compromise the rights of professionals and, do not jeopardise the rights of people using healthcare.
In psychology, this issue takes on even more complex dimensions, since psychologists use relational interventions in which it is very important that the client's values are respected and promoted.
Therefore, the idea that psychologists may condition their interventions on their own personal values is highly questionable. Some people defend that if a person recognises that they will be unable to avoid being influenced by their personal principles, it would be better to refuse the intervention.
We intend to reflect on this topic which is little or not discussed in psychology but which is becoming more pertinent with the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide in more countries.
Resources
View Youtube video :