Korean Journal of Psychology: General

Preface

The role of individual regular members (hereinafter referred to as psychologists) of the Korean Psychological Association is to expand knowledge regarding human beings through professional and scientific activities and provide knowledge and ability for the well-being of individuals and society through professional and scientific activities.  The Code of Ethics for Psychologists (hereafter referred to as the Code of Ethics) defines the principles and criteria that should be established for psychologists to perform these roles. Psychologists are obligated to act with the utmost ethical responsibility. As psychologists, they should recognize the scope of their knowledge and ability based on professional and scientific activities and make efforts to avoid personal, social, economic, and political influences that may abuse or exploit their knowledge.

Psychologists who engage in actions that violate the Code of Ethics may be subject to disciplinary measures, such as revocation of membership, suspension of membership, or revocation or suspension of qualifications (licenses), according to the procedures established in the Code of Ethics and the rules of the Korean Psychological Association. Additionally, these measures may be communicated to other organizations or individuals.

Chapter 1. General Principles

Article 1 (Purpose) 

The purpose of this regulation is to establish standards of ethics that psychologists should generally adhere to in the conduct of academic research, submission and presentation of research manuscripts, education and training, evaluation, counseling, and therapy.

Article 2 (Applicable Target)

This regulation applies to all members of the association who submit manuscripts to academic journals or are present at academic conferences, as well as to all researchers directly or indirectly involved in the research and development activities included in writing and manuscripts.

Chapter 2 Guidelines on Enforcement of Code of Ethics

Article 3 (Pledge of Code of Ethics)

The Code of Ethics must be pledged to join as a member of the Korean Psychological Association. Those who were already members at the time when this Code of Ethics took effect are deemed to have pledged to this Code of Ethics.

Article 4 (Conflicts between the Code of Ethics and Current Laws)

If current laws limit the Code of Ethics, the former shall take precedence over the latter. If the Code of Ethics sets more stringent standards than the requirements of the current law, psychologists shall observe the Code of Ethics.

Article 5 (Conflicts Between the Code of Ethics and Organizational Demands)

If institutions to which psychologists are affiliated compel them to contradict the Code of Ethics, they shall inform the institutions that they pledged to abide by the Code of Ethics and endeavor to resolve the conflict in a manner that complies with the Code of Ethics. In addition, they shall inform the Korean Psychological Association and Sanctions Committee of the institutions' requirements that contradict the Code of Ethics to seek advice, and the Committee shall offer appropriate advice.

Article 6 (Report of Ethics Violations)

If psychologists are aware of other psychologists’ problems that violate the Code of Ethics, they shall attempt to resolve them by helping the psychologists in question become aware of their problems. If the problems remain unresolved or if they are clear violations of the Code of Ethics and the informal approaches are not appropriate as a solution, matters should be reported to the relevant sub-associations or the Sanctions and Ethics Committee of the Korean Psychological Association. The Sanctions and Ethics Committee of the Korean Psychological Association shall not reveal the identity of the psychologist who informed of the problems.

Article 7 (Cooperation with the Sanctions and Ethics Committee)

The psychologists reported that violation of the Code of Ethics should cooperate with the investigations conducted by the sub-associations of the Korean Psychological Association and the Sanctions and Ethics Committee. In itself, it is a violation of the Code of Ethics to not cooperate in ethical investigations.

Article 8 (Guaranteeing the Opportunities to Explain Themselves)

Psychologists who have been reported to violate the Code of Ethics should be given sufficient opportunity to explain themselves.

Article 9 (Confidentiality of the Subjects of Sanction)

The members of the Ethics Committee affiliated with the sub-associations of the Korean Psychological Association and the members of the Sanctions and Ethics Committee of the Korean Psychological Association should not disclose the identity of the psychologists who violate the Code of Ethics until the Korean Psychological Association Board of Directors decides to take disciplinary action.

Article 10 (Amendments of the Code of Ethics)

The procedure for amending the Code of Ethics is consistent with the amendment procedures of the Korean Psychological Association bylaws. If the Code of Ethics was amended, it shall be deemed for the KPA-affiliated psychologists to have automatically pledged to the new Code of Ethics without further pledge, assuming they have already pledged to the existing Code before the amendment.

Chapter 3 General Ethics

Article 11 (Basic Obligations of Psychologists)

1.    Psychologists shall endeavor to improve the mental and physical health of human beings.

2.    Psychologists shall strive to develop individuals and society.

3.    Psychologists shall conduct academic research, teaching, assessment, and treatment tasks truthfully, honestly, and accurately.

4.    Psychologists should be aware that their work could have an impact on society and humanity and, hence, perform their responsibilities as experts based on trust.

5.    Psychologists shall strive to ensure that the results of their psychological research and services are provided fairly to those who require them.

6.    Psychologists respect the dignity and value of humans as well as individuals’ rights to privacy and self-determination.

Article 12 (Expertise)

1.    Psychologists should develop and maintain their skills and expertise consistently.

2.    Psychologists engaged in research and education shall pursue scientific knowledge in their professional fields and strive to deliver it accurately.

3.    Psychologists engaged in assessment and psychotherapy should provide services within the scope of the specialized area of research and professional experience in which they receive education, training, and supervision. If an emergency arises in which urgent intervention is necessary but qualified psychologists are not available for consultation, an unqualified psychologist may provide a service, but the service shall end when a qualified psychologist is available to provide the service.

4.    Psychologists who wish to provide services that require knowledge and experience beyond their area of expertise should receive relevant education, training, and supervision.

Article 13 (Delegations of Tasks)

When psychologists delegate tasks to employees, trainees under their supervision, or teaching or research assistants, they should take the following measures:

1.    Psychologists shall avoid delegating tasks to persons with multiple relationships with prospective clients/patients and who are likely to exploit them or lose objectivity (Refer to Article 14, Multiple Relationships).

2.    Psychologists shall delegate work to competent people who can conduct work independently or under supervision based on their education, training, and experience.

3.    Psychologists shall ensure that those assigned to tasks perform competently.

Article 14 (Work-related Human Relationships)

1.    Psychologists shall respect fellow psychologists and shall not criticize the work-related activities of fellow psychologists.

2.    Psychologists shall collaborate with professionals in other fields of expertise while maintaining integrity and patience.

3.    Psychologists shall provide the necessary knowledge and experience to students or trainees and not limit their responsibilities to tasks of a dependent or subordinate nature (Refer to Article 13: Exploitative Relationships).

4.    Psychologists shall respect the participants during the course of research, avoid exposing them to risk, and take measures to ensure their safety and well-being (Refer to Article 23, Responsibilities of the Research Participants).

5.    Psychologists shall develop trusted relationships with clients/patients rather than engage in multiple or exploitative relationships with them (Refer to Article 13: Exploitative Relationships; Article 14: Multiple Relationships).

Article 15 (Exploitative Relationships)

Psychologists shall not exploit clients/patients, students, trainees, research participants, and employees whom they supervise and assess or exercise other forms of authority over material, physical, or occupational aspects.

Article 16 (Multiple Relationships)

1.    Being in multiple relationships means that psychologists have a professional relationship with someone while performing another role with that same person. This can be a risk factor for psychologists attempting to conduct duties  in a fair, objective, and efficient manner. Multiple relationships can harm or exploit their counterparts. Therefore, psychologists should be cautious when dealing with multiple relationships.

2.    Psychologists must be aware of and avoid multiple relationships that pose risks to their ability to perform their duties or may cause harm to another party.

o    Being in a teacher-student relationship and simultaneously in an intimate personal relationship (Refer to Article 44, Sexual Relations with Students and Trainees).

o    Being in a teacher-student relationship and simultaneously acting as a therapist? Client-patient relationship (Article 43: Mandating Individual and Group Therapy).

o    Belonging to the same institutions as teacher-student relationship, employment relationship, or hierarchical relationship of rank or position, and simultaneously being in a direct financial relationship of therapist-client/patient in which the latter must pay the costs of supervision or treatment to the former.

o    Being in a therapist-client/patient relationship and simultaneously in intimate personal relationships (Article 60, Sexual Intimacies with Clients/Patients).

o    Being in intimate personal relationships with family members, close relatives, or guardians of clients/patients while working as a therapist.

o    Other multiple relationships are likely to cause harm or risk exploitation of the person with whom psychologists have professional relationships or the potential to undermine the fairness of task performance.

3.    Multiple relationships that do not harm other parties or are not risk factors for psychologists’ task performance are not unethical.

4.    If psychologists find that they are in multiple potentially harmful relationships due to unforeseen factors, they should take proper measures and comply with the Code of Ethics, considering the interests of people who could be affected.

Article 17 (Conflict of Interest)

Regarding personal, scientific, professional, legal, financial, or other interests or relationships, psychologists shall refrain from performing professional roles in the following cases:

·         Cases in which efficiency, objectivity, and competence are undermined when performing their roles as psychologists.

·         Cases in which professional relationships with individuals or organizations may be exploited.

Article 18 (Sexual Harassment)

Psychologists should not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment includes sexual temptations, physical contact, and verbal and non-verbal actions that have sexual connotations in nature and occur in the course of duty.

Article 19 (Confidentiality and Disclosure)

1.    Psychologists have a primary obligation to protect confidential information acquired during research, teaching, assessment, and treatment. The obligation of confidentiality should be extended to family members and colleagues who have confidential information. However, exceptions can be made for psychologists and doctors involved in counseling and treatment, as well as assistants who assisted them in the process, or for individuals to whom clients/patients are permitted to disclose confidential information. However, in such cases, psychologists should attempt to limit the disclosure of real names.

2.    Psychologists can disclose confidential information with the consent of organizational clients, individual clients/patients, or people who are legally authorized on behalf of clients/patients. This should be limited to professional research purposes, and in such cases, the real names should not be disclosed.

3.    Confidential information can be disclosed at a minimum level without the consent of individuals if mandated by law or allowed by law for justifiable purposes as follows:

o    To provide necessary professional services.

o    To obtain appropriate professional advice.

o    To protect clients/patients, psychologists, or other people from injury.

o    To collect payments for services provided to clients/patients.

Article 18 (Documentation of the Tasks and Preservation and Transfer of Documents)

1.    Psychologists shall document all oral consent, permission, and approval received by individuals in the course of research, teaching, assessment, and treatment.

2.    Psychologists shall document and record their professional and scientific work for the following purposes:

o    To help future research, education, assessment, and treatment by experts, including themselves.

o    To replicate and verify the research design and analysis.

o    To meet institutional demands.

o    To ensure the accuracy of billing and payment.

o    To ensure compliance with laws.

3.    Psychologists shall preserve and store documented records and data and transfer all records and data when or if they resign from the position or practice.

Article 19 (Public Statements)

1.    Public statements include paid or free advertisements, product quality assurances, research grant applications, certification applications, various types of applications, brochures, printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae, comments and reviews on mass media use, statements in legal proceedings, lectures, oral presentations, and publications.

2.    Psychologists shall make public comments or give public advice through lectures, TV programs, printed materials, the Internet, or other media.

o    Psychologists shall (1) state based on scientific evidence, professional knowledge, training, or experience; (2) state based on facts; (3) be consistent with the Code of Ethics; and (4) make statements that do not present the wrong impressions that a special relationship exists between the beneficiaries and psychologists.

3.    Psychologists shall not falsely state:

(1) education, (2) career, (3) qualifications, (4) affiliations with research institutions or associations, (5) the kind of services they can provide (their areas of expertise), (6) the scientific and clinical basis for and the degree of accomplishment of the services they provide, (7) medical expenses, and (8) achievements and research results.

Article 20 (Advertising)

Psychologists shall not conduct false, deceptive, exaggerated, or other unethical sales, commercial advertising, or soliciting activities.

The following cases are not considered unethical activities by psychologists:

·         Disseminate information regarding jobs and expertise based on facts using institutional guidebooks, newsletters, media, and the Internet.

·         Attempt to contact treated patients/clients with the intention of helping them.

·         Seek out participants to provide psychological assessment, counseling, and treatment services as part of the community service.

Chapter 3 Research-related Ethics

Article 21 (Academic Freedom and Social Responsibilities)

Psychologists engaged in research have fundamental rights to academic freedom and the social obligations and responsibilities they entail.

·         Psychologists should not discriminate against ideology, religion, age, gender, social class, and cultural groups and accept and recognize academic achievements in their own rights.

·         Psychologists should be open to criticism of their research and skeptical of their knowledge.

·         Psychologists shall correct their errors if convincing evidence refutes their claims.

·         Psychologists shall review new research issues, systems of thought, and approaches without prejudice.

Article 22 (Approval of Institutions)

When institution approval is required for the implementation of the research, psychologists shall provide accurate information regarding the research project and obtain approval before conducting the research. Additionally, this research should be conducted as an approved research proposal.

Article 23 (Responsibilities for Research Participants)

Psychologists shall have the following responsibilities for research participants:

·         Psychologists shall respect the dignity and personality of research participants and their rights to privacy and self-determination as individuals.

·         Psychologists shall take measures to ensure the safety and welfare of study participants who may be exposed to risk.

·         Psychologists shall not cause psychological or physical damage to participants, and when participants show any signs of unexpected painful responses, the research should be halted immediately.

Article 24 (Consent for Research Participation)

o    Purpose, expected duration, and procedures of the research.

o    Rights to participate in the study or quit midway.

o    Expected consequences when the participants refuse to participate or withdraw from the study.

o    Potential risks, dangers, pain, and harmful effects that may impact willingness to participate.

o    Expected benefits of participating in the study.

o    Limits of confidentiality.

o    Possible compensation or benefits for participation.

2.    Psychologists performing intervention studies that include experimental treatments shall clearly inform participants of the following from the beginning of the research:

o    Nature of experimental treatment.

o    Services that will be available or unavailable to the control group.

o    Methods for allocating treatment or control groups.

o    Treatment natives should be available in case individuals may not want to participate in the study or quit once research has already begun.

o    Compensation and monetary rewards for research participation.

Article 25 (Consent for Voice and Video Recordings in Research)

Psychologists shall obtain consent from the participants prior to recording when they need voice or video recordings for data collection. The exceptions are as follows:

·         The content of the study is to conduct naturalistic observations in public places or ensure that the recordings are not expected to be used to harm individuals or disclose personal identities.

·         Cases in which deception is supposed to be included in the research design and consent for the use of the recording should be obtained after the fact.

Article 26 (Participants who are Dependent on Researchers Including Clients/Patients, Students, etc.)

1.    When psychologists conduct research on their dependents, such as their clients/patients and students, they shall take measures to eliminate harmful consequences in case the dependents decline to participate or quit.

2.    If participation in the study is a course requirement or an extra credit opportunity, students shall be allowed to select their native activities.

Article 27 (Exemptions from Research Consent)

Psychologists may be exempt from receiving consent from the research participants in the following cases:

·         The research is judged not to harm or cause suffering.

o    Research performed in educational settings regarding educational practices, curricula, and classroom management methods.

o    Disclosure of the study participants’ responses would not place them at risk of civil or criminal liability or damage to their financial status, employment prospects, or reputations. The research is conducted in the form of anonymous questionnaires, naturalistic observations, or data collection studies, in which confidentiality is protected.

o    Research on several factors related to job or organizational efficiency is performed in organizational settings, and there is no risk to the employment prospects or confidentiality of participants.

·         The research is permitted by law or institutional rules.

Article 28 (Compensation for Research Participation)

1.    Psychologists shall compensate the appropriate amount for participation in this research. Psychologists shall not offer improper or excessive financial or other compensation to compel people to participate in the research.

2.    When professional services are provided as compensation for participation, psychologists shall provide comprehensive information regarding the risks, obligations, and limitations, as well as the nature of the services.

Article 29 (Deceptions in Research)

1.    Psychologists shall not involve deception in research except in cases in which the deception method can be justified from the perspectives of scientific, educational, and applicable value and for cases in which there are no other effective native procedures devoid of deception.

2.    Psychologists shall be forthcoming about information that may cause physical pain or severe emotional distress to the research participants.

3.    Psychologists shall inform participants of the deception included in the experiment as soon as possible, preferably when their research participation ends or at least prior to the completion of data collection, so that participants may have the opportunity to withdraw their experiment data.

Article 30 (Debriefing Research Participants)

1.    Psychologists shall provide research participants with the opportunity to obtain information regarding the nature, findings, and conclusions of the research, assuming that they do not damage scientific or humane values.

2.    Psychologists shall take measures to minimize damage if they realize that the research process has caused damage to the participants.

Article 31 (Humane Care and Use of Animals)

Animal experiments are inevitable in psychology. However, psychologists’ primary duty is to respect life; hence, when conducting research on animal subjects, they must comply with the following standards:

·         Think carefully about whether there are native non-animal testing methods for research and perform research on animal subjects only if there are no other native ones.

·         Animal experiments should be performed strictly to obtain scientific knowledge. Whether the number and species of animals and the experimental methods are appropriate for the research should be considered.

·         Secure, care, use, and handle animals in accordance with current laws, regulations, and professional standards.

·         Strive to minimize pain, suffering, and injury in animal subjects.

·         Psychologists can use procedures that expose animals to pain, stress, or deprivation only when the native procedure is impossible and when justified by scientific, educational, or applicable value.

Article 32 (Report of Research Results)

1.    Psychologists shall not fabricate data.

2.    When research subjects are identifiable from the data, psychologists are required to report the data after anonymizing them.

3.    When psychologists discover critical errors in published data, they shall rectify errors using appropriate publication means, such as correction, cancellation, and errata.

Article 33 (Plagiarism)

Psychologists should not present articles or writings containing research and claims that they did not perform as if they were their own. Even if sources are referred to several times in articles or writings, plagiarism should be considered when presenting sections of another author’s or researcher’s findings and ideas as their own.

Article 34 (Publishing Credits)

1.    Psychologists are only responsible for and accredited as authors of the studies they have conducted or contributed to.

2.    Regarding the order of the author or authors in the article, psychologists shall accurately reflect the author’s relative contribution to the study, regardless of the hierarchical position. It is not justifiable for someone to become a co-author or the first author just because they possess a certain position. Contributions to the study and its publication can be acknowledged in the footnote, introduction, and acknowledgment sections as expressions of gratitude.

3.    Except under exceptional circumstances, when an article stems from a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation and involves several other co-authors, the relevant student shall be the first author.

Article 35 (Dual Publication of Research Data)

Regardless of domestic or international publishing, psychologists shall not publish or attempt to publish previously published material (including material to be published soon or under review) as if it were new material. If authors publish previously published data, they should request the editor of the journal if their papers are subject to dual publication.

Article 36 (Sharing Data for Re-verification of the Research Results)

1.    After the study results are released, other researchers may request data for verification through a reanalysis. Assuming that the confidentiality of original research participants can be protected and there are no copyright issues banning the release of data, psychologists shall provide the data.

2.    Psychologists who receive the data described above will use it for specific purposes. If they want to use the data for different purposes, written consent should be obtained.

Article 37 (Review)

Psychologists who review the manuscripts or materials submitted for publication, academic presentation, and research proposals shall maintain confidentiality regarding the content and authors of the materials and respect the authors’ copyright.

Chapter 4 Ethics Related to Education and Training

Article 38 (Psychologists as Educators)

1.    Psychologists shall endeavor to deliver the scientific facts discovered by various psychological studies that have been performed from the past to the present in an accurate and comprehensible manner.

2.    Psychologists shall recognize the relationship between teachers and students and reflect on their roles, responsibilities, and abilities.

3.    Psychologists shall perceive their influence on students or trainees and endeavor to avoid harming their personalities.

Article 39 (Composition of Education Contents)

When offering courses or providing educational or training programs, psychologists shall compose content in a way that provides the necessary knowledge and experience to trainees or students. If the educational program is related to acquiring certification, a psychologist should design the program in a way that could assist the students in meeting the certification qualifications.

Article 40 (Description of Educational Contents)

1.    Psychologists who offer courses shall provide information regarding the features of the course, topics covered in the lectures, standards for grading, etc., in their syllabi. In addition, psychologists should conduct courses in accordance with the syllabi content.

2.    Psychologists who provide education and training programs shall specify the content of the program, purpose of training, participation fees, and qualifications (e.g., attendance, testing, and evaluation) for program completion certificates in the program guidelines.

Article 41 (Precise Delivery of Knowledge)

Psychologists shall provide knowledge based on scientific evidence in an objective, accurate, and comprehensible manner. When psychologists want to convey their personal opinion, they shall indicate that it is a personal opinion.

Article 42 (Performance Evaluations for Students and Trainees)

1.    Psychologists shall evaluate the performance of their students and trainees in a timely manner in accordance with fair standards and provide feedback. Information on performance evaluation criteria should be provided to students or trainees at the beginning of the course or under supervision.

2.    When evaluating students and trainees, psychologists should evaluate their actual performance against the individual criteria required by the program in accordance with evaluation standards.

Article 43 (Mandating Individual Therapy and Group Therapy)

1.    Psychologists shall avoid multiple relationships that could pose a risk to their duties and harm others. Therefore, a professor shall not conduct direct therapy on a student if the professor has the potential to evaluate the academic performance of the student (Refer to Article 14, Multiple Relationships).

2.    If individual or group therapy is a mandatory training program or academic curriculum, psychologists shall allow students to receive therapy from other specialists who are not directly related to the program to avoid multiple relationships. However, an exception could be made for group therapy or counseling, which is conducted for strictly educational purposes and does not incur additional costs other than tuition.

Article 44 (Sexual Relations with Students and Trainees)

Psychologists shall not engage in sexual intimacy with students in the same department or institute, trainees in the same training center, or those who are likely to be evaluated by psychologists (Article 14, Multiple Relationships).

Article 45 (Requesting Disclosure of Personal Information to Students and Trainees)

Psychologists shall not request the disclosure of personal information in either oral or written form from students or trainees under their supervision in class or training programs, whether it is sexual history, history of abuse or neglect, experience of psychological treatment, or relationships with their parents, colleagues, spouse, and others. However, the following are the exceptions: (Refer to Article 17, Confidentiality and Disclosure)

·         The requirements are set forth in the program applications.

·         The students’ personal challenges interfere with their training and professional activities, and the student may be considered a threat to themselves and to others. It is judged that such personal information is required to help the student in necessary evaluation.

Article 46 (Confidentiality of Personal Information of Students and Trainees)

The personal information of students or trainees learned by psychologists during a class or program shall be kept confidential (Refer to Article 17, Confidentiality and Disclosure).

Chapter 5 Assessment-related Ethics

Article 47 (Basis of Assessments)

1.    Psychologists should base their opinions on objective information or techniques that support and prove the validity of their statements when describing opinions in letters of recommendation, reports, diagnostic statements, assessments, and legal testimonies.

2.    When expressing opinions regarding an individual’s psychological characteristics, psychologists should undergo a thorough examination to support their statements. Despite such efforts, if the examination is proven impractical, psychologists document the process and results of their efforts and state that insufficient information may affect the reliability and validity of their views, limiting the nature and extent of their conclusions or recommendations.

3.    When reviewing data and providing consultation or supervision while individual examinations are not guaranteed, psychologists shall indicate that their opinions are not based on individual examinations and present source information to support their views.

Article 48 (Use of Assessments)

1.    Psychologists shall implement, adapt, score, interpret, and use testing tools, interviews, and assessment techniques independently.

2.    Psychologists shall use assessment tools that have proven validity and reliability. If this is not the case, they shall describe the advantages and limitations of the test results and their interpretation.

3.    Psychologists shall be objective, academically-grounded, sensitive, and conscientious in completing and using assessments.

Article 49 (Development of Tests and Assessment Techniques)

Psychologists who develop tests and other assessment techniques should use appropriate psychometric procedures to standardize, validate, reduce, and remove polarization.

Article 50 (Consent for the Assessments)

1.    Consent for assessment shall be obtained from the client to perform the evaluation and diagnosis. When psychologists ask for assessment consent, they should inform them of the nature and purpose of the evaluation, costs, and limits of confidentiality. However, consent is not required in the following cases:

o    If the examination is delegated by law.

o    If the examination is conducted as part of the routine educational, institutional, or organizational activities (e.g., job applications).

2.    The nature and purpose of the evaluation should be explained to individuals who may not have the capacity to consent and those whose examinations have been delegated by law.

3.    Psychologists using an automated interpretation service to interpret examination results shall obtain consent from clients/patients regarding the use of the automated interpreter. Psychologists shall ensure the confidentiality of test results and describe the limitations of the data collected from recommendation letters, reports, and diagnostic and evaluative statements, such as legal testimony.

Article 51 (Interpretation of Assessment Results)

1.    When interpreting assessment results, psychologists should consider various test factors that can reduce the accuracy of the interpretation, such as the test-taking abilities or linguistic and cultural differences of the examinees and the circumstances that may affect the examinations.

2.    The interpretation of the assessment results should be comprehensible to clients/patients in terms of content.

Article 52 (Evaluation by Unqualified Persons)

Psychologists shall not allow unqualified individuals to use psychological assessment techniques. However, using them for training under appropriate supervision is an exception. However, they should be cautious regarding the following: assessment techniques for trainees shall be limited depending on their education, training, and experience, and psychologists must continuously supervise trainees to ensure that they perform their tasks competently.

Article 53 (Unused Tests and Old Test Results)

1.    Psychologists shall not conduct assessments, intervention decisions, or intervention recommendations using test results that have elapsed for a long time.

2.    Psychologists shall not make assessments, intervention decisions, or intervention recommendations based on old tests or test measures that are not currently in use or useful for current purposes.

Article 54 (Test Scoring and Interpretation Services)

1.    Psychologists who provide testing or scoring services to other psychologists shall accurately describe the procedures, that is, the purpose, norms, validity, reliability, application, and qualifications that can be applied.

2.    Psychologists shall select scoring and interpretation services based on the evidence of the validity of the program and its procedures.

3.    Psychologists shall be held accountable for the proper application, interpretation, and use of assessment tools when they conduct tests, score, and interpret themselves or when they use automated or other services.

Article 55 (Explanation of Assessment Results)

In regard to scoring and interpreting tests, psychologists must explain the test results to the individuals or the representatives of the group who received the tests. However, depending on the nature of the relationships, there are cases in which the test results do not necessarily have to be explained (e.g., organizational consulting, pre-employment or security screening, and assessments made for court use). Individuals who are subject to assessments shall be notified of these facts in advance.

Article 56 (View of Assessments and Examination Report)

1.    When clients and examinees of the assessments or examinations are not identical, examinees can view the assessment results upon their consent.

2.    Insofar as it is not judged harmful to the examinee’s health to view the examination reports, psychologists shall help them view reports upon their request.

3.    If there are any cases in which the assessment results should not be viewed, examinees should be notified in advance.

Article 57 (Transfer of Examination Data)

When clients/patients are referred to other service institutes, psychologists can provide the test data to other professionals set forth in the related institute to which clients/patients will be referred. However, the test data may not be transferred to protect clients/patients from misuse or misunderstanding of the test data. In this case, the test data refers to the raw and scaled scores in the test data, client/patient responses to test questions or stimuli, and the statements and behaviors of the client/patient during the test.

Chapter 6 Treatment-related Ethics

Article 58 (Explanation of and Consent for Treatment Procedures)

1.    Psychologists shall explain the nature of the treatment and therapeutic procedures to clients/patients to obtain their consent. At this point, they must inform clients/patients regarding their medical expenses, limits of confidentiality, and involvement of third parties.

2.    If risk factors are present, psychologists shall explain them and provide other native treatment methods.

3.    In addition, psychologists shall describe the treatment of clients/patients in a manner and language that is suitable for their ability and intelligence and obtain their consent for treatment.

4.    Psychologists shall consider the preferences and best interests of clients/patients.

Article 59 (Group Therapy)

In the case of group therapy services, psychologists shall explain the roles and responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality when beginning treatment.

Article 60 (Sexual Intimacies with Clients/Patients)

1.    Psychologists shall not engage in sexual intimacy with clients/patients involved in therapeutic relationships.

2.    Psychologists shall not engage in sexual intimacy with clients/patients’ guardians, relatives, or significant others.

3.    Psychologists shall not accept as clients/patients those whom they were sexually involved with in the past.

4.    Psychologists shall not engage in sexual intimacy with the patients/clients they have treated for a minimum of three years after the termination of treatment. However, after three years, psychologists shall not engage in sexual intimacy with any of their former clients/patients if it can be avoided.

Article 61 (Discontinuation of Treatment)

 In cases in which psychological services are discontinued due to clients/patients’ illness, death, state of incommunicado, transfer, resignation, relocation, or financial difficulties, psychologists shall endeavor to take appropriate actions for the clients/patients considering their welfare and having their best interests at heart and plan for future services within the legal extent.

Article 62 (Termination of Treatment)

1.    Psychologists shall terminate the treatment of clients/patients if psychological services are no longer needed or if continued services do not help but rather harm clients/patients health.

2.    Psychologists may terminate treatment if they are threatened or exposed to risks by clients/patients or third parties related to clients/patients.

Article 63 (Provision of Services to Those Receiving Services from Other Institutes)

When deciding whether to provide services to those receiving mental health services elsewhere, psychologists should consider treatment issues and the welfare of clients/patients. To minimize the risk of confusion and conflict regarding these issues, psychologists shall carefully address these therapeutic matters by discussing them with clients/patients or persons who have been granted legal authority on behalf of clients/patients. If possible, psychologists may seek advice from other service providers in the institutes where clients/patients come from and address issues with caution and sensitivity.

Article 64 (Records of the Treatment)

1.    Psychologists shall retain records relating to psychological services for at least ten years.

2.    Psychologists may transfer treatment records or summaries of the records to another psychologist upon obtaining client/patient consent for further treatment.

3.    When psychologists retire or quit their practice, they may eliminate all retained records, considering their minimum retention period. Records can be transferred to psychologists, who replace them upon client/patient consent.

4.    During treatment termination, psychologists may allow clients and patients to view their records, assuming that their rights are not compromised.

Article 65 (Costs of Treatment)

1.    Psychologists and clients/patients shall discuss and agree on issues related to treatment costs as soon as possible.

2.    Psychologists shall not provide false statements regarding treatment costs.

3.    If the limitations of services are expected to be due to financial limitations, psychologists shall discuss this issue with clients/patients as soon as possible.

4.    In cases where the clients did not make the agreed payments and psychologists attempt to use legal means to receive the payments, psychologists shall give notice to the clients so that they can be granted an opportunity to pay as soon as possible.

Note:

The Korean Psychological Association Code of Ethics refers to the Ethical Principles of Psychologists, the Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association, and the  Code of Ethics of the German Psychological Society and Psychologist Association.