Boyle and Gamble deliver a valuable and practical text that explores the Australian Psychological Society's (APS) Code of Ethics and Guidelines. This text is designed for psychology students and recently registered psychologists; however, even the most experienced psychologist will benefit from reviewing the APS Code through this engaging text.
Divided into five sections, Part 1 introduces the reader to the APS Code of Ethics, the key elements required for ethical practice (competence, confidentiality, and consent), and the Decision Assistance Model for Australian Psychologists (DA-MAP), which provides a framework for psychologists to assist the formulation of ethical and client-focused decisions.
Part 2 explores how to manage professional boundaries, working with clients who do not or cannot give consent, and working with diverse clients. Boyle and Gamble present a clear and concise text. Each chapter is brought to life with case studies that demonstrate how the code is applied. The corresponding section of the code is presented and then explained and explored in detail. Part 3 unfolds how to work with clients who pose a risk to themselves or others and explores conflicting issues such as the need to protect the client from harm while also respecting autonomy. Boyle and Gamble work through such issues thoroughly, discussing the conflicts that psychologists often face (hence the need for the Decision Assistance Model) and providing clear interpretation of the Code.
Part 4 delves into the application of the Code of Ethics to practice in research, assessment, and intervention. The chapter on research presents the Code along with the National Health and Medical Research Council's National Statement and discusses such issues as participant wellbeing, duty of care, conflict of interest, and vulnerability. Examples of past research that are considered unethical are presented and explored. Part 5 of the book provides a guide to obtaining and maintaining registration as a psychologist, and explores ethical issues within professional practice. This section provides the reader with an understanding of the ethical as well as legal issues that arise from managing a psychological practice, including privacy legislation, storing, and accessing client records, as well as delegating, advertising, and financial matters. The final chapter provides a detailed explanation of the pathways to registration and the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia to maintain registration.
Boyle and Gamble deliver an engaging text that explores an often-dull topic for psychology students. Australian psychology students (and practising psychologists) should delight that there is now a comprehensive textbook that explores, explains, and demonstrates the Australian Psychological Society's Code of Ethics in a practical context. The case studies throughout the book bring the ethical dilemmas to life, and allow the reader to ponder each case, work through the ethical considerations, and promote discussion among peers.
