UNIVERSAL DECLARATION

Universal Declaration
    Promotes global understanding
    Respects cultural differences

Universal Declaration adopted in 2008 by the General Assembly of IUPsyS after 6 years
    Historical and contemporary research
    International consultation
    Numerous revisions and suggestions

Universal Declaration
    Is a morally grounded framework
    Rests on shared human values
    Guides psychological science and practice
    Functions as a template to
        Create a new ethics code
        Revise an existing ethics code
        Develop culture-specific standards

Universal Declaration
    Preamble
    Four principles with associated core values

Questions to consider in determining the purpose of an ethics code – critical in formulating objectives    
    
    Who wants an ethics code?
        e.g., a psychology organization authorized by law vs. membership to regulate practice

    Are there political forces that affect psychology as a profession?
        e.g., government can +/- influence how psychologists operate and the content of an ethics code

    What are the reasons for an ethics code?
        e.g., to prevent harm and guide beneficent behavior, to adjudicate

    To what will the ethics code be applied?
        e.g., all vs. some activities of psychologists (clinical work)

    Are there dominant philosophical views?
        e.g., individual vs. collective well-being, self-determination vs. social harmony

    What emphasis is place on social justice?
        e.g., in treating individuals, can we overlook societal sources of suffering?

    Should indigenous wisdom be accommodated as a knowledge source?
        e.g., integration of folk remedies with science-informed procedures

    Are there other relevant sociocultural issues?
        e.g., national struggle for ethnic equality; emphasis on multicultural expertise

    Should vulnerable persons be protected?
        e.g., with more safeguards that reflect greater professional responsibility

    Have representative samples given input?
        e.g., ethical dilemmas for which psychologists need guidance

    Should ethical principles be prioritized?
        e.g., priorities may differ cross-culturally and cross situationally, too Western

    Should there be a decision-making model?
        e.g., models bear public scrutiny and include personal conscience

Recommended steps in drafting a code

    Assemble principles, values, standards
    Check that purpose and objectives met
    Critically review
    Test acceptability within organization
    Revise based on feedback
    Distribute revision to diverse groups
    Revise based on broader consultation
    Submit to organization for adoption
    
DISCUSSION:

    ➢    Is it possible for a country’s ethics code to mirror universal principles while at the same time embracing local norms; conversely, to what extent are universal principles and local norms irreconcilable?
 
    ➢    What variables predict whether psychologists from culturally diverse countries accept, reject, or respond ambivalently to universal ethical principles as they engage in professional activities locally?