Ethical decision-making in sport psychology: Issues and implications for professional practice

A code of ethics specific to sport psychology has been noted to be of substantial importance to the autonomy and professionalization of the field (Whelan, Meyers, & Elkins, 2002; Zeigler, 1987). In an effort to protect the welfare of those individuals being served and to convey the values of the organization and profession to the community, the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) previously established its own code of ethics. While the principles and standards within codes of ethics provide support and guidance for professionals navigating a variety of ethical issues, they oftentimes contain gaps, contradictions, and grey areas that limit their utility in specific circumstances and complicate the process of ethical decision-making (Kitchener, 1984; Koocher & Keith-Spiegel, 1998). To help combat these concerns, ethical decision-making models can serve as a practical framework that professionals can use to resolve these situations. Although the AASP has yet to adopt a decision-making model or guidelines for ethical decision-making in sport psychology, several models found within other helping professions are presently available. The following chapter will review the various ethical philosophies that have the potential to influence ethical decision-making in sport psychology, in addition to examining several theoretical and practice-based ethical decision-making models. A case study is also provided to illustrate the use of a decision-making model to cope with an ethical situation that has increasingly become germane to sport psychology. Lastly, specific recommendations for professional practice in sport psychology are also forwarded.