CARTA ETHICA OR CHARTER OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS

Preamble

This charter is intended first and foremost for the general public, though also for professionals.

It aims to set out the fundamental principles which underpin and guide the work of psychologists.

Like all such documents, it is clearly not exhaustive and should therefore not be seen as an alternative to the ethical codes of conduct which govern the profession in Europe. These are more detailed and specific and continue to provide the guidance, and sometimes the regulation, of professional practice.

This document is the outcome of three years' active collaboration between the professional organisations of the Southern European countries. This group, which consists of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Malta and Greece, wished to promote positively a European perspective.

Quite Naturally, the theme of the code of conduct and ethics quickly provides a common bond across national boundaries. Moreover, producing a simple and authoritative text in this international way males for a greater understanding of the profession and its obligations. The result of this spread of information is to ensure a better relationship between the general public and the profession.

The Basic principles are:

Respect and development of the rights and dignity of persons

Psychologists respect, and strive to promote, the fundamental rights, freedom, dignity, confidentiality, autonomy, and the psychological well-being of the individual.

They can only accomplish this with the consent of the individual concerned except in cases where otherwise sanctioned by law.

On the other hand, any person must be in a position to consult directly and without restraint the psychologist of his/her choice.

Psychologists guarantee confidentiality, respect and professional secrecy respected and protect the privacy of the individual even when they are required to pass on information regarding their work.

Responsibility

Within the framework of their competence psychologists assume the responsibility for the choice, application, consequences, methods and techniques to be used and for the professional advice which they provide concerning individuals, groups and society.

They refuse to become in any way involved in, or to assume, the duties of theoretical or technical nature should these be in conflict with their ethical principles.

Competence

Psychologists' competence is derived from theoretical studies given at university at the highest levels and which are being continually updated, as well as from practical training qualifications which are derived from their education, training and personal experience, thereby establishing their own preofessional limits.

Integrity

The cornerstone underlying the application of the above three principles is integrity which psychologists must respect and promote in the conduct of all their activities, in their efforts to clarify their role, their approach, their functions and the services they offer.

These four principles are fundamental and essential. Psychologists are committed to respect and to promote these principles, are guided by them, and disseminate them.

Psychologists follow these principles to regulate the relationships both with the members of their own scientific community as well as with other professional bodies in general.

This text was agreed at the meeting of the Southern European EFPPA countries, 29th November 1994 and adopted by the General Assembly, July 1st, 1995 in Athens.