News
News from EFPPA Member Associations
British Psychological Society
The Psychologists' Law: The Parliamentary process in the UK is complicated. So are the laws. The British Psychological Society (BPS) now has a draft Bill (the name given to a law before it becomes a law) to protect the title of “psychologist.” This is 24 pages long, and was written having looked at a comparable law (for osteopaths) which went through Parliament last year. The proposal is based on the BPS Register of Chartered Psychologists, and the proposal is that the BPS will administer the Register and therefore be the Registration Body. It controls and protects the title “psychologist” (but not psychotherapist). There are different ways of getting a law through Parliament in the UK: through the Government department, through the Members of Parliament (House of Commons), or through the House of Lords. All of this is influenced by the time of the year, and the stage of the Parliament. The Law will eventually have to pass through both Chambers, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
BPS President: The President's term of the BPS is from April to April. Steve Newstead ended his term in April 1996, Margaret McAllister is President from April 1996 to 1997, and Chris Cullen will be President from 1997 to 1998.
Congresses: BPS has two main congresses a year, one in London in December, and another elsewhere in April. The conferences usually attract about 1000 delegates. Both of these aim to have a balance of scientific and practitioner papers and keynote addresses. There are also about 10 other conferences each year, since most Divisions and Sections have their own specialist conferences.
Birthday: BPS has its own 100 year birthday in 2001, and is preparing a bid to host the European Congress of Psychology that year.
French Psychological Society: Testing and Evaluation
The Test Commission of the French Psychological Society and the Editions du Centre de Psychologie Appliquée initiated in October 1995 a wide national survey aiming to assess testing practice and evaluation needs of clinical psychologists in France.
The survey includes:
- •An autoadministered questionnaire, circulated to more than 5000 French adult/child clinical psychologists;
- •A semistructured interview collected from 20 male/female clinical psychologists, randomly selected.
The questionnaire covers four topics:
- •Identification of clinical practice among French clinical psychologists;
- •Identification of the most popular assessment batteries in everyday clinical practice;
- •Identification of referrals for psychological assessment;
- •Identification of clinical psychologists' future expectancies and needs towards testing and evaluation.
Results and publication are due by the end of 1996. For further information contact: Dana Castro at the Société Française de Psychologie, 28-32 rue Serpente, F-75006 Paris, France.
Executive Council Report from Meeting in Brussels, February 1996
The EFPPA Executive Council (EC) held its last meeting in Brussels in February 1996. Apart from its routine business, major issues discussed were:
- •EFPPA statutes
- •EFPPA divisions or networks
- •EFPPA Home Page
- •EFPPA base in Brussels
- •Goals of EFPPA
EFPPA Statutes: EFPPA Statutes provide for an Executive Council of 7 members elected by the General Assembly. The federation is now 15 years old, and has grown considerably since its foundation, both in size as well as in power and influence. Consideration will be given as to whether the current organization provides the most efficient and effective way of running the federation, which now has 26 national member associations.
EFPPA Divisions or Networks: EFPPA is a federation of member associations. It has no individual members, and individual psychologists are able to contribute to EFPPA through election to the Executive Council (7 members) or through involvement in Task Forces. EFPPA's challenge is to keep alive this involvement and enthusiasm, to collaborate with other European organizations with mutual interests, and to foster the development of the discipline, in its research and practice, in Europe. EFPPA has had preliminary discussions concerning the formation of networks which will permit collaboration among psychologists with common interests.
EFPPA Home Page: The EFPPA Executive Council has decided to have its own Home Page on the World Wide Web. Eventually, we hope that all our documents will be available on the Internet; for the present we will begin modestly with Booklet 1 (about EFPPA), the Task Force Guidelines , the Congress Guidelines , followed by the booklets: Moving in Europe and the Inventory of Regulations for Psychologists . Of course, EFPPA will continue to communicate on paper and face to face.
European Psychologists' Day: This was held on May 10-11, 1996. The intention was for psychologists all over Europe to stage activities on this day, in order to raise awareness and to raise the profile of psychology and psychologists. Press and media releases were prepared and it is hoped that the public will become more and better informed.
EFPPA Presidents' Meeting 1996: The Presidents of EFPPA Member Associations have been meeting annually following an initial meeting in 1994 in Madrid during the International Congress of Applied Psychology. The 1996 meeting is planned for October 12, 1996, at a venue to be confirmed.
Goals of EFPPA: The Executive Council spent some time discussing the goals of EFPPA and the plan for action between now and 1997. Much of the discussion focused on operationalizing the stated goals:
- 1.To make psychology more visible in Europe
- 2.To promote the status of psychologists in the community
- 3.To promote the development of psychology
- 4.Collection and exchange of information
- 5.To increase the public awareness of psychology and psychologists
- 6.To strengthen the role of EFPPA
News from EFPPA Task Forces
Task Force on Curricula: This Task Force is carrying out preliminary work in mapping out European psychology curricula, and plans to have as many contact persons who will be able to have the questionnaires completed and send curriculum documents as possible. The aim is to be able to compare the psychology curricula and qualifications from as many European countries as possible. This task is important both of itself and to contribute to work being carried out at European Union level which may enable more effective procedures to be set up for evaluation of psychology qualifications form different countries, particularly in relation to the movement of psychologists form one country to another. EFPPA is involved in preliminary work to provide a description of psychology qualifications across member associations.
Task Force on Traffic Psychology: The Task Force on Traffic Psychology has taken on the task of preparing a thematic issue in the news bulletin, News from EFPPA . It also joins the Division of Traffic Psychology of the IAAP, and the EuropspsyT in arranging a Congress on traffic psychology in Valencia in May this year. The Task Force on Traffic Psychology was set up at the General Assembly in 1993 in Tampere, and has had an active working life. It is convened by Ralf Risser, an expert in this field from Austria. The articles in the News from EFPPA bring some perspectives from the different national representatives, and also some more general issues of concern at the European level. Traffic psychology is a well-developed professional practitioner activity in some European countries, while in others there is no practitioner work in this field. In all countries this is an extremely important field of research, as we become increasingly aware of the contribution of psychological factors to traffic accidents, whether through stress and exhaustion, emotional factors, alcohol and drug misuse, or other aspects of the human factors field. The articles are published in News from EFPPA, 10 , 1&2. For details please contact Ingrid Lunt, President and Editor of News from EFPPA .
A European Ethics Meta-Code Agreed by EFPPA Members: EFPPA has had a Task Force on Ethics working for the past six years. The original aim of the Task Force was to develop a common Ethical Code for European psychologists. However, following collection of the different Codes of Ethics from a large number of Member Associations of EFPPA, it became clear that there were a number of fundamentally held positions which differed between European countries, and that national Codes of Ethics reflected national principles in a way that would make a common code an impossibility. Two alternative positions emerge from this realization. One was to adopt the widely used principle of subsidiarity, and leave individual national associations to use their own national codes. This position may leave psychologists moving in Europe in a vulnerable situation, with conflicting positions derived from either their own national code or that of the host country. The second alternative, and the one adopted by the Task Force, was to work towards a Meta-Code of Ethics, which could be agreed by Member Associations, and which provides guidance for the content of Ethical Codes of member associations, and indeed aspiring member associations. The Meta-Code which follows was agreed at the General Assembly of EFPPA in Athens in July 1995, and provides a sound basis for moving forward towards more agreement among European countries in the area of professional practice. Following completion of the work of the Task Force, the EFPPA General Assembly agreed to set up a Standing Committee on Ethics, in recognition of the continuing, and possibly increasing importance of this area, and the need for European countries to work together in maintaining the highest standards of professional practice
European Federation of Professional Psychologists' Associations Meta-Code of Ethics
1 Preamble
Psychologists develop a valid and reliable body of knowledge based on research and apply that knowledge to psychological processes and human behaviour in a variety of contexts. In doing so they perform many roles, within such fields as research, education, assessment, therapy, consultancy, and as expert witness to name a few.
They also strive to help the public in developing informed judgments and choices regarding human behaviour, and to improve the condition of both the individual and society.
The European Federation of Professional Psychologists' Associations has a responsibility to ensure that the ethical codes of its member associations are in accord with the following fundamental principles which are intended to provide a general philosophy and guidance to cover all situations encountered by professional psychologists.
National Associations should require their members to continue to develop their awareness of ethical issues, and promote training to ensure this occurs. National Associations should provide consultation and support to members on ethical issues.
National Associations should have corrective or disciplinary procedures to investigate and decide upon complaints against members.
The EFPPA provides the following guidance for the content of the Ethical Codes of its member Associations. An Association's ethical code should cover all aspects of the professional behaviour of its members.
The Ethical Codes of member Associations should be based upon — and certainly not in conflict with — the Ethical Principles specified below.
2 Ethical Principles
2.1 Respect for a Person's Rights and Dignity
Psychologists accord appropriate respect to and promote the development of the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all people. They respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination and autonomy, consistent with the psychologist's other professional obligations and with the law.
2.2 Competence
Psychologists strive to ensure and maintain high standards of competence in their work. They recognise the boundaries of their particular competencies and the limitations of their expertise. They provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training or experience.
2.3 Responsibility
Psychologists are aware of the professional and scientific responsibilities to their clients, to the community, and to the society in which they work and live. Psychologists avoid doing harm and are responsible for their own actions, and assure themselves, as far as possible, that their services are not misused.
2.4 Integrity
Psychologists seek to promote integrity in the science, teaching and practice of psychology. In these activities psychologists are honest, fair and respectful of others, They attempt to clarify for relevant parties the roles they are performing and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles.
3 Content of Ethical Codes of Member Associations
In the following Meta-Code the term “client” refers to any person, patients, persons in interdependence or organisations with whom psychologists have a professional relationship, including indirect relationships.
Professional psychologists' ethical codes must take the following into account:
- •Psychologists' professional behaviour must be considered within a professional role, characterised by the professional relationship.
- •Inequalities of knowledge and power always influence psychologists' professional relationships with clients and colleagues.
- •The larger the inequality in the professional relationship and the greater the dependency of clients, the heavier is the responsibility of the professional psychologist.
- •The responsibilities of psychologists must be considered within the context of the stage of the professional relationship.
Interdependence of the Four Principles: It should be recognised that there will always be strong interdependencies between the four main ethical principles with their specifications.
This means for psychologists that resolving an ethical question or dilemma will require reflection and often dialogue with clients and colleagues, weighing different ethical principles. Making decisions and taking actions is necessary even if there are still conflicting issues.
3.1 Respect for Person's Rights and Dignity
3.1.1 General Respect
- i)Awareness of and respect for the knowledge, insight, experience and areas of expertise of clients, relevant third parties, colleagues, students and the general public.
- ii)Awareness of individual, cultural and role differences including those due to disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, language and socioeconomic status.
- iii)Avoidance of practices which are the result of unfair bias and may lead to unjust discrimination.
3.1.2 Privacy and Confidentiality
- i)Restriction of seeking and giving out information to only that required for the professional purpose.
- ii)Adequate storage and handling of information and records, in any form, to ensure confidentiality, including taking reasonable safeguards to make data anonymous when appropriate, and restricting access to reports to those who have a legitimate need to know.
- iii)Obligation that clients and others that have a professional relationship are aware of the limitations under the law of the maintenance of confidentiality.
- iv)Obligation when the legal system requires disclosure to provide only that information relevant to the issue in question, and otherwise to maintain confidentiality.
- v)Recognition of the tension that can arise between confidentiality and the protection of a client or other significant third parties.
- vi)Rights of clients to have access to records and reports about themselves, and to get necessary assistance and consultation, thus providing adequate and comprehensive information and serving their best interests.
- vii)Maintenance of records, and writing of reports, to enable access by a client which safeguards the confidentiality of information relating to others.
3.1.3 Informed Consent and Freedom of Consent
- i)Clarification and continued discussion of the professional actions, procedures and probable consequences of the psychologist's actions to ensure that a client provides informed consent before and during psychological intervention.
- ii)Clarification for clients of procedures on record-keeping and reporting.
- iii)Recognition that there may be more than one client, and that these may be first and second order clients having differing professional relationships with the psychologist, who consequently has a range of responsibilities.
3.1.4 Self-determination
- i)Maximisation of the autonomy of and self-determination by a client, including the general right to engage in, and to end the professional relationship with a psychologist.
- ii)Specification of the limits of such self-determination taking into account such factors as the client's developmental age, mental health and restrictions set by the legal process.
3.2 Competence
3.2.1 Ethical Awareness
Obligation to have a good knowledge of ethics, including the Ethical Code, and the integration of ethical issues with professional practice.
3.2.2 Limits of Competence
Obligation to practise within the limits of competence derived from education, training and experience.
3.2.3 Limits of Procedures
- i)Obligation to be aware of the limits of procedures for particular tasks, and the limits of conclusions that can be derived in different circumstances and for different purposes.
- ii)Obligation to practise within, and to be aware of the psychological community's critical development of theories and methods.
3.2.4 Continuing Development
Obligation to continue professional development.
3.2.5 Incapability
Obligation not to practise when ability or judgement is adversely affected including temporary problems.
3.3 Responsibility
3.3.1 General Responsibility
For the quality and consequences of the psychologist's professional actions.
3.3.2 Promotion of High Standards
Promotion and maintenance of high standards of scientific and professional activity, and requirement on psychologists to organise their activities in accord with the Ethical Code.
3.3.3 Avoidance of Harm
Avoidance of the misuse of psychological knowledge or practice, and the minimisation of harm which is foreseeable and unavoidable.
3.3.4 Continuity of Care
- i)Responsibility for the necessary continuity of professional care of clients, including collaboration with other professionals and appropriate action when a psychologist must suspend or terminate involvement.
- ii)Responsibility towards a client which exists after the formal termination of the professional relationship, upon new contact with matters which derive from that original professional relationship.
3.3.5 Extended Responsibility
Assumption of general responsibility for the scientific and professional activities, including ethical standards, of employees, assistants, supervisees and students.
3.3.6 Resolving Dilemmas
Recognition that ethical dilemmas occur and responsibility is placed upon the psychologist to clarify such dilemmas and consult colleagues and/or the national Association, and inform relevant others of the demands of the Ethical Code.
3.4 Integrity
3.4.1 Recognition of Professional Limitations
Obligation to be self-reflective and open about personal and professional limitations and a recommendation to seek professional advice and support in difficult situations.
3.4.2 Honesty and Accuracy
- i)Accuracy in representing relevant qualifications, education, experience, competence and affiliations.
- ii)Accuracy in representing information, and responsibility to acknowledge and not to suppress alternative hypotheses, evidence or explanations.
- iii)Honesty and accuracy with regard to any financial implications of the professional relationship.
- vi)Recognition of the need for accuracy and the limitations of conclusions and opinions expressed in professional reports and statements.
3.4.3 Straightforwardness and Openness
- i)General obligation to provide information and avoid deception in research and professional practice.
- ii)Obligation not to withhold information or to engage in temporary deception if there are alternative procedures available. If deception has occurred, there is an obligation to inform and re-establish trust.
3.4.4 Conflict of Interests and Exploitation
- i)Awareness of the possible problems which may result from dual relationships and an obligation to avoid such dual relationships which reduce the necessary professional distance or may lead to conflict of interests, or exploitation of a client.
- ii)Obligation not to exploit a professional relationship to further personal, religious, political or other ideological interests.
- iii)Awareness that conflict of interest and inequality of power in a relationship may still reside after the professional relationship is formally terminated, and that professional responsibilities may still apply.
3.4.5 Actions of Colleagues
Obligation to give a reasonable critique of the professional actions of colleagues, and to take action to inform colleagues, and if appropriate, the relevant professional associations, if there is a question of unethical action.
Longitudinal Studies Documentation
In the late 1980s, the Network on Longitudinal Studies on Individual Development of the European Science Foundation launched several initiatives for promoting longitudinal studies in social sciences and social medicine, with the intention of improving the coordination of research activities and the cooperation between the researchers. For that reason the Max-Planck Institutes for Psychological Research (Munich) and for Human Development and Education (Berlin) have been asked to document longitudinal studies in Europe. In 1990, a collection of more than 500 studies completed or started in the 1980s from all European countries, including the former Soviet Union, was published: Inventory of European Longitudinal Studies in the Behavioural and Medical Sciences. A project supported by the European Science Foundation (Schneider, W., & Edelstein, W., Eds., Berlin: Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung, 1990. ISBN 3-87985-028-3; Order address: Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung, Lentzeallee 94, D-14195 Berlin).
In 1991, the European Science Foundation asked the Zentralstelle für Psychologische Information und Dokumentation (ZPID) to continue the documentation of “Longitudinal Studies on Individual Development.” Over two years (1993 and 1994), the ZPID updated 131 studies from the 1990 inventory and registered 84 additional, newly started studies. These 215 studies are documented in: Inventory of European Longitudinal Studies in the Behavioral and Medical Sciendes — Update 1990-1994. (Zentralstelle für Psychologische Information und Dokumentation, Ed., Trier: ZPID, Universität Trier, 1995. ISBN 3-921716-82-9; Order address ZPID, Universität Trier, D-54286 Trier, Fax +49 651 201-2071).
