28th International Congress of Psychology August 8 ... - U-netSURF

Thursday, 12 August 2004
4001 INVITED SYMPOSIUM
Toward a declaration of international ethical principles for psychologists
Convener and Chair: J. Pettifor, Canada
4001.2 The roots of ethical principles and values in modern-day professional codes of ethics,
C.M. Sinclair, Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, Toronto, Canada
This paper will trace the ancient and more recent history of ethical principles and values found in
many of today’s codes of ethics for professionals; in particular, concepts of human dignity, respect
for dignity, concern for the welfare of others, competence, truth-telling, and the role of
professionals within a society. The author will outline changes made to the Canadian Code of
Ethics for Psychologists in response to criticisms that it restricted itself too much to Western
concepts and did not appropriately reflect the multicultural nature of current Canadian society.
4001.3 Psychologists' perceptions of ethically troubling incidents across borders, T. Sawchuk,
University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
A literature review on ethical dilemmas experienced by practicing psychologists in different
countries was undertaken. Ethical dilemmas reported from nine countries showed that
Confidentiality followed by Dual Relationships were the most common concerns. Mexican
responses were an exception in that they varied widely in the distribution of dilemmas.
Country-specific differences were noted by Sweden, Finland, South Africa and New Zealand, that
appeared related to the type of practice rather than to differences in cultural beliefs. There is a lack
of similar studies from non-western countries. Caution is required in considering implications for
universal values.
4001.4 Moving toward a universal declaration of ethical principles for psychologists: A progress
report, J. Gauthier, Laval University, Québec, Canada
Psychology does not have common ethical standards world wide. As Chair of the International
Union of Psychological Science 2002 initiative to develop a universal declaration of ethical
principles for psychologists, the author reports on comparisons between codes of ethics in
psychology across national and continental boundaries and between codes of ethics in psychology
and universal declarations such as the United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and the World Psychiatric Association 1996 Declaration of Madrid. A framework is
proposed for drafting an international declaration that is relevant to local communities, indigenous
values, and is sensitive to cultural differences.
4001.5 What would a universal declaration of ethical principles mean in my country? M.
Kreegipuu, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
In cross-cultural comparisons Estonians score high on secular/rational orientation to authority and
on survival (opposite of self-expressiveness.) This means low trust, little societal participation, and
low respect for authority. Estonian mothers regulate their children more than Swedish mothers,
and do not encourage Achievement, Self-direction or Self-expression. Psychologists promote the
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