To Tell or Not to Tell, That Is the Question

Abstract

Ethical dilemmas encountered by psychologists have previously been studied in surveys and as formal ethical complaints. No previous publications have been found in which data from an ethics counseling telephone service for psychologists has been analyzed. The present study examines ethical dilemmas, as presented by members of the Norwegian Psychological Association calling the Ethics Telephone Counseling Service (ETCS) from 2001 through 2003. Psychologists seek counseling for a range of ethical dilemmas. Ethical dilemmas concerning confidentiality are those most commonly presented. Dilemmas concerning integrity are also fairly common, whereas dilemmas concerning competence are rarely presented. The study shows virtually no difference in frequency and nature of consultation based on how long a psychologist has been licensed. This study also shows only minor gender differences in the use of the ETCS. Possible implications for ethics education as a continuous process are discussed.