Analyze That
'Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only =
thing.'
Albert Schweitzer
When the APA threatened Suzy Chapman with legal action because the =
longstanding domain name of her informative website included 'dsm', =
their conduct led to criticism. For me, it was the irrationality of =
their bullying behaviour that was of most concern.
The APA's conduct appears even more bizarre in view of an APA book on =
'Bullying' which acknowledges that bullying is a systemic phenomenon.
"New APA Publication on Preventing Bullying and School Violence"
http://tinyurl.com/6n5zjzr
"The authors see bullying as a process - a characteristic of the social =
system - not a problem originating with a single troubled person. Thus, =
they believe that bullying behaviors can be effectively addressed only =
by targeting the broader social context - the coercive power and group =
dynamics that breed and maintain bullying..."
Which begs the question, what kind of example do the APA believe their =
conduct is setting?
The APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct states:
http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx
"Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence=20
Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care =
to do no harm. In their professional actions, psychologists seek to =
safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom they interact =
professionally and other affected persons..."
"Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility
Psychologists establish relationships of trust with those with whom they =
work. They are aware of their professional and scientific =
responsibilities to society and to the specific communities in which =
they work. Psychologists uphold professional standards of conduct, =
clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate =
responsibility for their behavior, and seek to manage conflicts of =
interest that could lead to exploitation or harm..."
"Principle C: Integrity
Psychologists seek to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the =
science, teaching, and practice of psychology. In these activities =
psychologists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud, subterfuge, or =
intentional misrepresentation of fact..."
"Principle D: Justice
Psychologists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to =
access to and benefit from the contributions of psychology and to equal =
quality in the processes, procedures, and services being conducted by =
psychologists. Psychologists exercise reasonable judgment and take =
precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the boundaries of =
their competence, and the limitations of their expertise do not lead to =
or condone unjust practices."
"Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity
Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the =
rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and =
self-determination."
It seems hypocritical to expect psychologists to meet to these standards =
when the management of the APA publishing arm appear to show such little =
regard for the rights and dignity of a conscientious individual citizen.
Peter Kemp
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