Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 57(1), Feb 2026, 1-11; doi:10.1037/pro0000663
The American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct helps promote the ethical health of the discipline and profession of psychology by establishing minimal standards of conduct, articulating the profession’s highest ideals, and educating students and professionals about their professional obligations. However, to ensure its maximal usefulness, the General (aspirational) Principles should be written clearly, reflect the profession’s values, and only include “principles” with a philosophical basis. In addition, the enforceable standards should be derived from the General Principles. Knapp et al. (2026) give examples of the problems that could arise by failing to follow these recommendations. This is followed by three short discussion pieces written by experts in this area. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)