Foundations of Ethical Practice, Research, and Teaching in Psychology and Counseling

Reviews / Votes

For the first edition:


"Karen Kitchener is well known for her pioneering work on reflective judgement (King & Kitchener, 1994), a theory that has shaped thinking about adolescent and adult intellectual development for over 20 years. In her recent highly accessible book...Kitchener again brings a decidedly applied focus to understand and then improve professionals' and academics' ability to make tough ethical choices about what is right, or at least ethically defensible....The book is intellectually rigorous and yet practical. It is also an excellent reference....Karen Kitchener's professional ethics book will provoke both ethical thought and ethical action."
-Journal of Moral Education


"Kitchener's approach is definitely thought-provoking and well founded. In addition to her integration of ethical theory and professional ethics, her emphasis on social and gender issues throughout the book...shows an awareness of the pervasiveness and ethical relevance of these issues that is still lacking in the profession at large....On the whole, Foundations of Ethical Practice, Research, and Teaching in Psychology is a valuable and distinctive addition to the literature on ethics in psychology and achieves what it sets out to do."
-Metapsychology Online


"It is refreshing in a book on ethics to see a discussion of virtue ethics, often a missing element....The strong emphasis on the fundamental moral principles and the unusually complete grounding of the book in ethical theory and research, make it valuable to psychologists no matter what ethics code edition is current. The completeness of the discussion of theoretical foundations as well as the research components are useful features for classroom teachers."
-Contemporary Psychology


"The complexities of being an ethical professional who is sensitive to the needs and contributions of diverse cultural groups and committed to social justice are addressed in a straightforward, informative, and helpful manner in this significant book. The emphases on how to conceptualize ethics and ethical decision-making, incorporating meaningful principles and virtues, as well as the book's focus on key issues and multiple applications via case examples, provoke thoughtful reflection that make these chapters a must read for seasoned professionals as well as students."
-Naomi M. Meara
University of Notre Dame


"Karen Kitchener deftly traverses the complex fields of psychological ethical practice and philosophical ethics. This enormously accessible book challenges readers to become ethical psychologists and activists for social justice. Kitchener synthesizes recent theory and research on ethical principles, virtues, character, and behavior to provide a useful decision making model for clinicians and academics alike. Her cases and discussion of ethical lapses provide concrete examples that will help psychologists improve the well being of both individuals and the social systems that powerfully influence them."
-Mary Brabeck
Lynch School of Education, Boston College


"This is an outstanding contribution....The coverage is comprehensive, the writing is clear and incisive, and the examples are thought-provoking. The author's reasoned perspective, her deep knowledge of ethics in psychology, and helping professions shine through in every chapter. An appendix listing all the book's case examples is included--a gem of an idea. An excellent discussion of foundational (philosophical) issues is provided and social justice and responsibility are also well addressed. This is a book informed both by a firm grasp of accumulated scholarly knowledge as well as by thoughtful personal reflection."
-Randolph B. Pipes, Ph.D.
Auburn University


"This is a must read for the conscientious professional as well as for instructors and students. Dr. Kitchener has written an intellectually stimulating book that identifies the critical issues in professional ethics for psychologists. In addition, she has woven theory and practice together in her case scenarios and ongoing discussion of how one deals with ethical dilemmas. Last, but certainly not least, she draws upon her professional experience as a former APA ethics board member, ethics instructor and researcher--this gives the text a personal touch. I highly recommend this book--don't miss the opportunity to tap into Dr. Kitchener's wisdom about and experience with ethical issues and dilemmas for today's psychologist!"
-Sharon K. Anderson
Colorado State University