A psychologist takes an oath to help everyone need of help
The other point of view that would guide this decision if the need to do good from a general perspective. A psychologist takes an oath to help everyone need of help and it would be prudent to follow the right procedure. In this case, I would also adopt a philosophical point of view and follow the principle of utilitarianism. It is a philosophical point of view proposed by John Stuart Mill, a British Philosopher. The theory is a moral framework that proposes utility as an essential means to moral justification to an action. The utilitarian principle seeks to promote happiness and reduce unhappiness. It defines happiness as a moral framework that exhibits a lack of pain, sadness and absence of pleasure (Mill 1895)). The moral standpoint of Mill’s utilitarianism is that of a common good where more people benefit from an action rather than shoulder its burdens. Happiness, according to Mill, is the optimal result of a decision attributed to pleasure and not pain. He defines higher pleasure as considering human interest or public affection to promote much more happiness. The situation is the opposite of lower pleasure, which considers human sensation and biological desires.
The message from Mill is on the idea that happiness is the ultimate goal and that common happiness for the greater good is the goal. He created a principle where the best actions seek to promote general happiness to the largest number of people. Mill argues that happiness is the foundation for morality and everyone always desires to be happy. He supports this theory by stating that every other object of the desires of people is a means to happiness or a part of the definition. The utilitarianism concept has received criticism from various groups of people with different theories taking varying standpoints (Mill 2016). Some critics believe that it is impossible to attain maximum happiness while some consider utilitarianism a godless approach. However, the criticisms, aside, it is essential to look at the role that the concept plays in the lives of people.
Utilitarian theory by Mills applies in the issues of human rights and ethical decisions that come with certain processes. It raises crucial issues in the field of medicine that need careful consideration if we are to achieve the greater good. In the medical research process, ethical considerations demanded health officers to reveal data on people infected with HIV to those people at a high risk of infection. In the current pandemic featuring the COVID-19 situation, utilitarianism requires governments to disclose information on people who have potentially travelled to other countries and back into the country. The common interest implies the step is necessary to keep people happy as opposed to exposing them to unhappiness (Brandt). By revealing such information, the public gets to stay happy and because they protect themselves from such diseases. In the spirit of utilitarianism, the ethical thing to do is to protect everyone and preserve the ideology of higher pleasure.
Application to the case
The client in this case has people depending on them and these could include different groups. They are potentially a professional dealing with a group of people in their line of work. Common sense dictates that for a person to be effective in their job performance, they need to be in their right frame of mind. The hierarchy of needs by Abraham Maslow should play a significant role here because it defines what a person needs to perform better. For example, the patient in this case could be a teacher dealing with many children at school. They could be a social worker who handles many cases at a time. The nature of their work could be too demanding and the need for treatment might have arisen from the complexities that come with the job. Everyone has a breaking point and at some point even the strongest people get need help. As a fundamentalist Christian, I would try to think about my religious viewpoint in matter such as the common good. By helping this individual, I would be helping a whole group of people that depend on them for their services. As already stated, the dependents could be people to whom they render their professional services. Other people could include families and close friends who would suffer greatly if the client did not receive the.
From a utilitarian point of view, the best thing to do in this case would be to consider the fact that there are dependents to this client. The children they teach, the families they help, the cases they represent in courts, and all other people who need this client. As a Christian who believes in the concept of doing good to everyone, I would take this approach. By helping them, I would be putting the happiness of all this people before anything else. I would take the client and treat them of whatever problem they are undergoing for them to get back to doing what they do for the sake of humanity. The most essential thing to remember in this case is that when one person, in, this case, my client, every other person who depends on them will be happy. I would be going against my religious standpoint but that would be a small price to pay for the greater good of the people who need help. Putting my Christian views before everything else would mean keeping myself happy at the expense if everyone else. I know it would also go against God’s commandment of loving my neighbor as myself.
Ethical code of conduct
One of the most essential components of a professional’s life is the fact that there exist guiding principles in the form of ethical codes. They guide the actions on how they deal with clients and other professionals. In this case, I would refer to the ethical code regarding a psychologist and a homosexual patient. One thing to note as a psychologist would be to understand the same -sex attractions as well as feelings and behaviors are normal aspects of life. Therefore, any efforts to change their sexual orientation would be like subjecting them to a harsh process; it would be unsafe and ineffective (American Psychological Association). The other essential point to consider would be the fact that sexual behavior such as homosexuality is not a mental illness. People do not become gay, lesbian or bisexual by choic3. However, it is a state in which they find themselves and nothing can change it.
As a Christian who believes in the concept of creation, I would consider that this client has no control over what they feel and that they deserve services like all other ‘normal’ clients. I would, therefore, render my services to them considering the bible verse that says we are born equal in the eye of God. The first line of work should be treating everyone equally and making them feel loved regardless of their sexual, religious or racial affiliations.
Homosexuality is a controversial issue that has different groups talking. It is a debate that probably will never end considering the different standpoints that different people take. While many people vilify homosexuals for being who they are, few people stop to think about the fact that they are also human. They need love and understanding for and Christians should be at the forefront in advocating for equality. As a Christian, I have my personal views on a range of topics, including homosexuality. However, I have come to realize that these opinions should never stand in the way of doing good to fellow human beings who need it. May people do not agree with the point of view of the Catholics and criticize them for taking a stand in supporting homosexuals. However, it seems like they are one of the few groups of people advocating for equal rights for everyone. In this debate, I believe I would support them and help a client who needs my help. I do not agree with their way of life and I know that cannot change but I will do my part and leave the rest to the ultimate judge, God.
Works cited
American Psychological Association. “Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct.” American psychologist 57.12 (2002): 1060-1073.
American Psychological Association. “Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.” The American Psychologist 67.1 (2012): 10.
Brandt, Richard B. “Utilitarianism and moral rights.” Canadian Journal of Philosophy 14.1 (1984): 1-19.
Mill, John Stuart. “Utilitarianism.” Seven masterpieces of philosophy. Routledge, 2016. 337-383.
Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism. Longmans, Green and Company, 1895.