Ethics integrates a set of principles that establish a judgment about human decisions and actions. Ratings are made on whether these fit or clearly define what is good or bad. Therefore, people identified as ethical, lead a life that conforms to these principles. For their election, the company establishes which of them will be taken as a reference, and it is by unanimous decision.

Starting from the initial concept, specific relationships can be established with various topics. It helps to clarify the limits or boundaries between any decision. This is how it relates to psychology , because changes in human behavior are studied.

They maintain similarities in terms of explaining how various mental processes occur, and how these are influenced by concepts such as kindness or empathy for example. Ethics studies the perception of certain beliefs, traditions or customs . Psychology studies the behavior of people in relation to these same concepts.

While ethics is interested in the norms and rights that govern actions and decisions, on the other hand, psychology studies these same facts as material objects that must have a reason for being.

What is ethics?

It is a concept that defines a branch of philosophy that studies moral issues . It has its origin in the Latin term “ethĭcus”, which is also related to another Greek term which is “ἠθικός”. Both can be translated as “character” or belonging to a character.

This word is often used to refer to the deontological codes that regulate professional activity. It is a regulation that presents rules and principles that are mandatory. It is important to differentiate ethics from morals , the latter is based on customs, commandments, mandatory precepts and other fundamental concepts for human thought.

As for its application in psychology, it is a concept that allows studying the customs and behaviors that people use to be able to coexist in society. It involves a responsibility and a commitment, concepts such as honesty and respect are used.

Psychologists take this issue into account in order to explain the actions and consequences of certain decisions. Among several of the topics that are analyzed, there is that of individual happiness , but this is also influenced by society in general.

Try to help distinguish between good and evil, and psychology to deepen these issues. The complexity of mental processes means maintaining an ethical approach . The value judgments that each individual makes determine their actions, which also has repercussions on mental health and on achieving a balanced coexistence in society.

Ethics and psychology analyze human behavior, also its application in the daily life of people and its influence with the social environment. For several years philosophers dealt not only with ethical issues, but also with psychological ones. Today, still they maintain a relationship both fields, similarly handled concepts as the values and morals ; furthermore these apply to human rights.

Likewise, the profession of psychologist recognizes as fundamental the acquisition of knowledge and skills, you are guaranteed to provide a good service to patients. Professionals in this area understand their responsibility in employing various techniques, and keeping abreast of new research findings in this field.

The different branches of ethics

Ethics is one of the oldest branches of philosophy. Helps describe a value system in various categories. Currently, contemporary ethics identifies three types of ethics that reflect on select issues, these types are described below:

  • Metaethics studies nature, analyzes its origins and basic concepts. It focuses its attention specifically both on the origin, as well as on the meaning and characteristics of all ethical principles and  moral values . It tries to explain being and duty, as well as the existence of man and free will, for example.
  • Normative ethics focuses its study on the search and interpretation of systems of norms. Its objective is to guide people to have a better life. It is characterized by analyzing moral criteria, that is, the precepts that determine behavior. It has three approaches which are: deontology, consequentialism and ethical virtue.
  • Applied ethics interprets various controversial cases related to real life. It is responsible for making an interpretation of the problems and interests of people in everyday life. These are concrete issues, and specific questions are asked from an ethical perspective.

Importance of ethics in psychology

The first philosophers established what is the relationship between ethics and psychology, they established that both studies will be in charge of delving into human behaviors. Each person has freedom and conscience when making decisions, these will have consequences and for this , value judgments are applied. 

In psychology the term ethics is used in reference to the study of the nature of the individual. All behaviors are directly related to the teachings of customs and habits . These depend on what society has established, it is the one that dictates which ones are correct or incorrect. On some occasions, these rules will change over time, also according to the current needs of a majority.

Ethics applied to psychology will help in the process of reflection on behaviors and their effects on society. In favor of coexistence, people tend to maintain positions that take other people into account. But, what happens when an individual decides to maintain a position that contradicts this position? This is where psychology tries to understand and explain these cases.

Ethics also provides psychology with a system characterized by credibility . If a medical professional is not honest, they could be risking the life of the patient. Hiding details about your mental state would harm your future stability. By applying ethics in the psychological studies of society, it is possible to think about the common good; a perspective is acquired that seeks the satisfaction of all equally.

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Alexa Clark specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience in listening and welcoming in Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy. It meets demands such as generalized anxiety, professional, love and family conflicts, stress, depression, sexual dysfunction, grief, and adolescents from 15 years of age. Over the years, She felt the need to conduct the psychotherapy sessions with subtlety since She understands that the psychologist acts as a facilitator of self-understanding and self-acceptance, valuing each person's respect, uniqueness, and acceptance.

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