Psychologists’ Attitudes and Ethical Concerns Regarding the Use of Social Networking Web Sites

Authors

Laura Taylor
Mark R. McMinn, George Fox UniversityFollow
Rodger K. Bufford, George Fox UniversityFollow
Kelly B.T. Chang, George Fox UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Abstract

Most psychologists seek to control self-disclosures they make to patients, but the Internet’s rapid development and widespread use over the past decade have introduced new problems for psychologists trying to avoid inappropriate disclosures. A total of 695 psychology graduate students and psychologists were surveyed about their current use of social networking Web sites (SNWs), opinions regarding regulation of online activities by the American Psychological Association (APA), and interactions in clinical work as a result of online activities. Established psychologists seldom use SNWs and may lack the experience to provide relevant supervisory guidance. No consensus about the need for APA guidelines emerged. Historically, APA has not issued guidelines in technological areas of rapid change. Thus, graduate training and continuing education should address the ethics of SNWs.

Comments

Originally published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 41, 153-159.

http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/pro/

Recommended Citation

Taylor, Laura; McMinn, Mark R.; Bufford, Rodger K.; and Chang, Kelly B.T., "Psychologists’ Attitudes and Ethical Concerns Regarding the Use of Social Networking Web Sites" (2010). Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program. 166.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/gscp_fac/166