Psychologists' ethical responsibilities in Internet-based groups: issues, strategies, and a call for dialogue.
How can psychologists participate ethically as facilitators, advisers, and peer members in Internet-based groups? The astonishing growth of Internet technology and on-line groups has outpaced the development of formal ethical guidelines for psychologists involved in on-line groups. This article provides an initial appraisal of psychologists' ethical responsibilities in discussion, support, and self-help groups that operate on the Internet and offers practical strategies for avoiding ethical problems. By presenting initial strategies and guidelines for ethical behavior in Internet-based groups, the authors hope to stimulate the field to further discuss and analyze these issues.
Humphreys
K
K
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Care Evaluation, Department of Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), USA.
Winzelberg
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A
Klaw
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E
D003219:Confidentiality; D003376:Counseling / Q000941:ethics; D017007:Duty to Warn; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D028743:Professional Misconduct; D024382:Professional Role; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011584:Psychology / Q000941:ethics*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000941:ethics*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012657:Self-Help Groups