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Cultural considerations in release of information
Durriya Meer1, Leon VandeCreek
1School of Professional Psychology, Wright State University, 117 Health Sciences Building, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435-0001, USA. leon.vandecreek@wright.edu
Ethics & Behavior
|September 6, 2003
Summary
Confidentiality in mental health ethics conflicts with cultural values from South Asia. Clinicians must navigate these ethical dilemmas when working with diverse clients.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Ethics
- Cross-cultural Psychology
Background:
- Confidentiality is a cornerstone ethical principle in mental health professions, alongside nonmalfeasance.
- This principle is deeply rooted in Western cultural values emphasizing individuality and autonomy.
Observation:
- Clinicians often face ethical dilemmas when cultural values diverge from professional ethical standards.
- This conflict is particularly evident when working with clients from South Asian and similar cultural backgrounds.
Findings:
- The article presents three case studies illustrating the practical challenges clinicians encounter regarding confidentiality with South Asian clients.
- Cultural values can directly contradict established professional ethical guidelines.
Implications:
- Understanding the interplay between cultural values and professional ethics is crucial for effective clinical practice.
- Strategies for addressing these ethical conflicts are discussed to aid clinicians in culturally sensitive practice.