Ethical dilemmas in psychological services in Ghana: the views of clinical psychologists

Abstract

Ethics reflects the moral principles upon which most professional practices rest. It forms the basis to do good, to do no harm, to respect others, and ensure justice. The purpose of this study was to investigate ethical dilemmas experienced by 20 clinical psychologists in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were used to investigate ethical dilemmas faced in professional practice. Using thematic analysis, the reported dilemmas included third-party involvement, (sub-themes: Therapy with Minors, Marital Disclosures, Source of referral, Duty to Warn), Dual relationships (subthemes: Collegial Relationships, Power Differential in Relationships), Cultural competence, and Policies and practices. The findings showed that although some of these dilemmas are universal, others arise (e.g., cultural competence) from the general cultural context of Ghana and the professional culture within which clinical psychologists are socialized. Recommendations to assist clinical psychologists address ethical dilemmas in Ghana and implications for the development of ethical regulations in the country are addressed.