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- Title
Professional and social responsibility in Psychology and other mental health disciplines with reference to the Goldwater Rule.
- Authors
Pillay, Anthony L.
- Abstract
The concerns of mental health professionals about the psychological characteristics and behaviour of political leaders forces a rethinking of their professional and social responsibility, especially in the context of the Goldwater Rule that applies to psychiatrists in the United States. Despite the fact that this ethical guideline does not pertain to Psychology professionals or the African continent, it is worthy of discussion and interrogation, considering the prevalence of poor leadership internationally, and the need for the previously colonised world to ensure independent and critical thinking on such matters. The article questions the traditional, narrow focus of psychologists and other mental health specialists in conceptualising professional and ethical roles, and raises the issue of their professional and social responsibility to help shape society and its democratic processes. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and others have much to contribute in this respect and they have to question the ethical and social responsibility impact of remaining silent in the face of behaviourally and psychologically maladjusted individuals being elected to high offices such as President and other influential positions. These professionals must adopt a public health approach that always has in mind the well-being of the broader society.
- Subjects
MEDICAL personnel; POLITICIANS; SOCIAL responsibility; GOLDWATER rule; SOCIAL psychology
- Publication
South African Journal of Psychology, 2018, Vol 48, Issue 3, p388
- ISSN
0081-2463
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/0081246318793822