Beneficence

Definition

Beneficence is the ethical principle that requires actions that promote the wellbeing and best interests of others. It involves doing good, providing benefits, and preventing and removing harms for the sake of the individual or society as a whole.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Beneficence is one of the core ethical principles in the field of psychology, along with autonomy, non-maleficence, and justice.
2. Beneficence requires psychologists to act in ways that benefit their clients, students, research participants, and the broader community.
3. Beneficence can sometimes conflict with the principle of autonomy, as psychologists may feel compelled to act in a client's best interest even if it goes against the client's wishes.
4. Psychologists must balance the principle of beneficence with other ethical considerations, such as respecting client confidentiality and avoiding exploitation.
5. The concept of beneficence is closely tied to the ethical duty of care that psychologists have towards their clients and research participants.

Review Questions

• Explain how the principle of beneficence is applied in the context of psychological practice.
  • In the field of psychology, the principle of beneficence requires psychologists to act in ways that promote the wellbeing and best interests of their clients, students, research participants, and the broader community. This may involve providing effective treatments, protecting vulnerable individuals, and contributing to the advancement of psychological knowledge and practice for the greater good. Psychologists must balance beneficence with other ethical principles, such as respecting client autonomy, to ensure they are acting in the most ethical and beneficial manner.
• Describe how the principle of beneficence can sometimes conflict with the principle of autonomy in psychological practice.
  • The principle of beneficence, which requires psychologists to act in the best interests of their clients, can sometimes come into conflict with the principle of autonomy, which respects the right of individuals to make their own informed decisions about their care and treatment. For example, a psychologist may believe that a certain course of action would be most beneficial for a client, but the client may not wish to pursue that course of action. In such cases, psychologists must carefully balance the competing ethical principles, considering the potential risks and benefits, the client's capacity for decision-making, and the potential consequences of overriding the client's autonomy. Resolving these ethical dilemmas requires psychologists to engage in thoughtful deliberation and consultation to determine the most appropriate course of action.
• Analyze how the concept of beneficence is tied to the ethical duty of care that psychologists have towards their clients and research participants.
  • The principle of beneficence is closely linked to the ethical duty of care that psychologists have towards their clients and research participants. Psychologists have a fundamental responsibility to act in ways that promote the wellbeing and best interests of those under their care. This duty of care extends beyond simply avoiding harm, and requires psychologists to actively work to provide benefits, protect vulnerable individuals, and contribute to the overall advancement of psychological knowledge and practice for the greater good. Fulfilling this duty of care is a core aspect of the principle of beneficence, as psychologists must carefully consider the potential impacts of their actions and decisions on the individuals and communities they serve. Upholding the principle of beneficence is essential for maintaining the public's trust in the psychological profession and ensuring that psychological practice remains ethical and beneficial.

Related terms

Autonomy: The right of an individual to make their own informed decisions about their own care and treatment.

Non-maleficence: The ethical principle of avoiding causing harm or inflicting unnecessary pain on others.

Paternalism: The practice of making decisions for others based on the belief that it is for their own good, even if it goes against their wishes.