Samuel J. Knapp – författare

Discussions of ethics in psychology often focus primarily on misconduct, punishment, and legal sanctions, and too often ignore aspirations, values, principles, and virtues. The net effect of this unbalanced approach creates an atmosphere in which psychologists have viewed ethics as unpleasant and frightening, instead of inspiring and uplifting. Psychologists naturally must be concerned about laws, codes, and regulations, but these documents do not constitute the beginning and end of the conversation on ethics.  The editors of this 2-volume reference propose that ethics is best viewed as a striving toward the highest ethical ideals, not just as an injunction against rule violation-a perspective they refer to as amp quot positive ethics amp quot or amp quot active ethics amp quot -and they encourage psychologists to elevate their ethical observance above the minimal standards found in law and enforceable ethics codes.  Against this backdrop, handbook contributors investigate the complexities of ethical behavior in clinical, educational, forensic, health, and amp quot tele- amp quot psychology. Several chapters zero in on the teaching of ethics and on ethically minded research relevant to professionals working in experimental psychology.  By comparison with many ethics textbooks, this two-volume handbook covers a wider range of subjects and pursues them in greater detail. For instance, it reflects important recent advances in research and technology that present new opportunities and challenges for practice and scholarship. Also, it takes a serious look into some burgeoning new areas such as life coaching and providing services over the Internet. These are just two examples of developments that present fascinating, novel ethical questions that deserve attention.  Significant perspectives presented in the handbook include:Ethics is more than the knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations that govern the profession and discipline of psychology. Competent psychologists rely on overarching ethical theories, as well as laws and regulations, when they live up to their highest ethical ideals. Attention to ethical issues is especially important as psychologists move into new and increasingly complex areas of practice.

Going beyond the basics of ethics, this book guides readers through complex ethical quandaries. It describes an easily applied decision-making process based on positive ethics and bolstered by numerous case examples that will help psychotherapists reach the best solutions possible.New and experienced psychotherapists alike can find themselves overwhelmed by an ethical quandary where there doesn amp rsquo t seem to be an easy solution. This book presents positive ethics as a means to overcome such ethical challenges. The positive approach focuses on not just avoiding negative consequences, but reaching the best possible outcomes for both the psychotherapist and the client.The authors outline a clear decision-making process that is based on three practical strategies:amp bull ethical decision-making models to make the most ethical decision in a situation where two ethical principles conflict,amp bull the quality enhancement model for reducing the risk of treatment failure, andamp bull ethics acculturation model to help therapists incorporate personal ethics into their professional roles.Numerous vignettes illustrate how to apply positive ethics to many different ethical challenges that psychotherapists will likely encounter in practice.

This book offers essential information about assessing, managing, and providing mental health treatment for suicidal adult outpatients.Suicide is a heartbreaking phenomenon that is the result of innumerable factors embedded in the personal histories and experiences of each patient. Yet despite this complexity, research has uncovered commonalities that can enable mental health practitioners to successfully treat suicidal patients. In this book, author Sam Knapp guides readers through the full process of treating suicidal patients, from screening to relapse prevention, using effective, research-informed interventions. He explains suicidal behavior through ideation‑to‑action theories of suicide, and argues for the application of principle‑based ethics when making treatment decisions. He emphasizes the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, and respecting patient autonomy as much as possible in such circumstances.Throughout, Suicide Prevention makes current research on suicide accessible and useful to practicing mental health providers, connecting it with practical approaches and case examples informed by the author amp rsquo s extensive clinical experience.