Psychologists heeding the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association would likely respond to the case of Candace Newmaker, an adopted child who died while undergoing a rebirthing procedure. These psychologists would take the position that Candace's therapists:
A) had the right to use whatever therapy they thought would help her because of a loophole in the guidelines.
B) were not responsible for the outcome because the outcome of any therapy cannot be accurately predicted.
C) violated ethical guidelines by using a therapy that caused harm and lacked effectiveness.
D) should have consulted with the APA and used a more effective treatment such as Thought Field Therapy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The case of Candace Newmaker involved the use of an unproven and potentially harmful therapy called rebirthing. Psychologists who adhere to the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association would recognize that using a therapy that lacks effectiveness and causes harm violates their obligation to do no harm and to seek the best treatments for their clients. The APA's guidelines require psychologists to use only evidence-based treatments and to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients. The loophole mentioned in choice A does not exist, and choice B is incorrect because therapists have a responsibility to carefully consider the potential outcomes of any therapy they use. Thought Field Therapy, mentioned in choice D, is not supported by strong empirical evidence and is not an appropriate alternative to rebirthing.

Psychologists Heeding the Ethical Guidelines of the American Psychological Association