The professional practice of a psychologist is characterized by their responsibility to clients, society, and psychological science. It is founded on public trust, which can only be achieved through adherence to ethical principles of professional practice and conduct. The Code of Ethics for Psychologists was developed for the purpose of internal regulation of the psychological community’s activities and regulation of psychologists’ relations with society. It serves as the basis for applying sanctions when ethical principles of professional practice are violated.
The principles and norms governing a psychologist’s practice are set forth in the Code of Ethics of the Russian Psychological Society. It was adopted on February 14, 2012, by the Fifth Congress of the Russian Psychological Society. The Code was drafted in accordance with:
- The Constitution of the Russian Federation;
- Federal Law of the Russian Federation No. 152-FZ of July 27, 2006 “On Personal Data,” the Charter of the Russian Psychological Society;
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
- The Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association “Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects”;
- The international Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists;
- The Ethical Meta-Code of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations.
The advisory and regulatory body of the Russian Psychological Society on matters of professional ethics in psychology is the Ethics Committee of the Russian Psychological Society.
The provisions of the Code of Ethics apply to all types and forms of psychological practice, including those conducted remotely or via the Internet.
Moral and ethical values form the foundation of a psychologist’s ethics.
The guiding ideals for a psychologist’s practice are the free and comprehensive development of the individual, the bringing together of people, and the creation of a just, humane, and prosperous society. The ethical principles and rules of practice formulated in the Code are aimed at strengthening professionalism, the humaneness of actions, and respect for people.
Principles and Norms
Principle of Respect.
It includes: respect for the dignity, rights, and freedoms of the individual. A psychologist treats people with equal respect regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, membership in a particular culture, ethnic group or race, religion, language, socioeconomic status, or physical capabilities.
Principle of Impartiality.
Prejudiced attitudes toward the Client are unacceptable. All of the Psychologist’s actions regarding the Client must be based on data obtained through scientific methods. Subjective impressions and the Client’s status must not influence conclusions or actions in any way. Neither the process of psychological work nor its results should cause harm to the health or social standing of the Client or persons associated with them.
Principle of Confidentiality.
Any information obtained on the basis of a confidential relationship is not subject to intentional or accidental disclosure outside of agreed-upon conditions. Research results must be presented in such a way that the Client, the Psychologist, and Psychological science are not compromised. Confidentiality applies to data on students obtained during training and information about clients. When publicly demonstrating specific cases from their work, a psychologist must ensure the protection of the client’s well-being and dignity. A psychologist must not seek information about a client that falls outside the scope of professional tasks. The Client has the right to a consultation without the presence of third parties. Client data must be carefully stored to prevent unauthorized access, and the procedures for its storage must be strictly regulated.
There are certain limits to the application of the rule of confidentiality. In most countries, the principle of confidentiality is breached when:
- there is a threat to the life of the client or other people;
- the psychologist has received information about illegal actions;
- violence (abuse, molestation, etc.) is being committed against minors;
- the client is ill and requires hospitalization.
Principle of Awareness and Voluntary Consent.
The Client must be informed about the purpose of the work, the methods used, and the ways in which the information obtained will be used. Work with a client begins after obtaining their consent. If the Client themselves is unable to make an independent decision, consent must be given by their representatives. The Psychologist must inform the Client about all steps of the work being conducted with them. Video or audio recordings may be made only by agreement. This also applies to telephone conversations. Materials from such recordings may be presented to third parties only after coordination with the client. Participation in psychological experiments and research must be voluntary. The Client must be informed in a manner understandable to them about the goals, specific features of the research, possible risks, discomfort, and undesirable consequences.
The Psychologist must take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. In cases where preliminary comprehensive disclosure of information would contradict the objectives of the research being conducted, the psychologist must take special precautions to ensure the well-being of the subjects. All explanations must be provided after the conclusion of the experiment.
Principle of Client Self-Determination
The Client has the right to enter into professional relationships with a psychologist and to terminate them. Any person may be a client if they are unquestionably competent by virtue of age, health condition, mental development, and physical independence. In the case of a person’s insufficient legal capacity, the decision regarding their cooperation with a Psychologist is made by the person representing that individual’s interests under law. The Client may involve another psychologist for consultation (where there are no legal contraindications).
Principle of Competence
A Psychologist must maintain a high level of competence while also recognizing its limitations. They must provide only those services and use only those methods for which they have been trained and in which they have experience. A Psychologist must have a thorough knowledge of professional ethics and be guided by ethical principles in their work. When involving assistants (students, graduate students), the psychologist must ensure their actions conform to professional requirements. In professional contacts with representatives of other professions, the psychologist must demonstrate loyalty, tolerance, and a readiness to help.