Assessing the Effects of Workplace Aggression and Normative Unethical Behaviors on Counselors\u27 Perceptions of Ethicality using an Integrative Understanding of Morality

Acting ethically is a core facet of the counseling profession\u27s identity, safeguarding clients from undue harm (ACA, 2005). Through an increased understanding of both detrimental and positive factors that can influence counselors\u27 perceptions of ethical behaviors, the counseling profession can intervene accordingly; this knowledge may assist in managing the problem related to unethical infractions. However, ethical behavior is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon, leaving many factors to be explored and examined. Workplace aggression, exposure to normative unethical behaviors, and an integrated modal of morality constitute some of these factors that warrant further investigation. A dearth of research currently exists within the counseling profession that examines the effects of workplace aggression and exposure to normative unethical behavior on counselors\u27 perceptions of ethicality. Additionally, mediating variables in the context of acting ethically have scantly been researched within the counseling profession, including moral development and the moral foundations of care, fairness, and justice (integrated modal of morality). The present study investigated these various variables and the subsequent affects/relationships that ensued on counselors\u27 perceptions of ethicality. Two phases of research were conducted: a pilot study (n = 166) that assisted in the development a Perceived Ethical Perceptions Instrument and a main study (n = 76) that assessed perceived ethicality contingent on the variables of workplace aggression, normative unethical behaviors, and the integrated modal of morality. Results from this study substantiated the complexity inherent within perceptions of ethicality, indicating that certain contextual factors may affect facets of perceived ethicality differently. of particular interest, the current study indicated that workplace aggression and the occurrence of unethical infractions by work supervisors/bosses and peers necessitated further investigation.;Keywords: ethical perceptions, workplace aggression, integrative modal of morality

Content Analysis of Counseling Ethics and Decision Making

Limited research has examined counselors’ subjective understandings of ethicality and variables affecting ethical constructions and decision making. Through content analysis, this pilot study explored three counselors’: (a) constructions of ethicality and ethical behavior, (b) general factors influencing ethical constructions and decision-making processes, (c) role of ethical codes on ethical decision-making processes, and (d) role of personal values on ethical decision-making processes. Identified emergent themes included: ambiguity in definitions of ethics and personal values; ethical constructions influenced by ethical codes and personal values; and peer consultation and professional resources as tools that introduce multifaceted ethical conceptualizations

Counselors\u27 Experiences of Workplace Aggression and Organizational Values: A Descriptive Analysis

Limited research exists on workplace aggression within the counseling profession despite its negative ramifications for clinical practice. The authors conducted a descriptive study to explore the prevalence and common forms of workplace aggression experienced by a sample of practicing counselors (N = 117). More than 50% of counselors reported the experience of at least 1 aggressive act, and nearly 25% met the threshold for workplace aggression. The authors discuss the implications of these results and consider workplace aggression\u27s incongruity with professional counseling values

Fa-MI-ly: Experiential Techniques to Integrate Motivational Interviewing and Family Counseling

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, client-centered approach that provides a framework for the change process. Careful attention is given within MI to understand and meet clients across a continuum of readiness for change. While less readily applied to family counseling, MI facilitates therapeutic alliance, evokes motivation for change, and provides useful guidelines for conceptualizing and implementing family counseling services. This article: (a) provides a brief overview of MI’s major tenets, (b) examines systems-level applications of MI principles, and (c) describes five counseling interventions developed by the authors that illustrate how MI may be integrated into family counseling practice

Student Counselors’ Perceptions of Ethical Client Referrals

The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics (American Counseling Association, 2014) distinguishes between competence‐based and value‐based referrals. This phenomenological research explored student counselors\u27 (N = 10) perceptions of client referrals across a range of cognitive developmental positions. Findings indicated nuanced understandings of competence, values, referral processes, responsibilities of supervisors, and learning environments. Implications for counselor education and supervision are discussed

Fa-MI-ly: Experiential Techniques to Integrate Motivational Interviewing and Family Counseling

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, client-centered approach that provides a framework for the change process. Careful attention is given within MI to understand and meet clients across a continuum of readiness for change. While less readily applied to family counseling, MI facilitates therapeutic alliance, evokes motivation for change, and provides useful guidelines for conceptualizing and implementing family counseling services. This article: (a) provides a brief overview of MI’s major tenets, (b) examines systems-level applications of MI principles, and (c) describes five counseling interventions developed by the authors that illustrate how MI may be integrated into family counseling practice