The aim of the present paper is to review noteworthy ethical issues associated with providing psychological services and conducting research with older adults, and thus to expand ethical awareness about these issues. In this regard, prominent ethical issues and discussions in the literature related to competence, autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality, and elder abuse and some suggestions regarding these issues were addressed. Various ethical necessities for psychologists working with older adults were discussed, such as (1) to have additional knowledge and skills, (2) to offer solutions that best maintain the autonomy of older adults and minimize the possibility of harm when the demands of the older adult and family members are not compromised or if there is a severe cognitive decline, (3) to pay particular attention whether or not older adults properly understand the research or treatment while obtaining informed consent, (4) to ensure full confidentiality for older adults that they provide for younger adults, and (5) to have sufficient knowledge about legislative regulations and ethical dilemmas regarding elder abuse.
Key words: ethical issues, older adults, psychological services, research
|
