title: Case study in psychobiographical ethics.
abstract: This article addresses ethical issues relative to the conduct and reporting of psychobiographical research. The author's recent psychobiographical study of World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer (1943-2008) is used to illustrate particular ethical challenges and responses in six areas: (1) institutional review board (IRB) evaluation and informed consent; (2) balancing objective research with respect for psychobiographical subject; (3) inviting subject or next-of-kin to read and comment on working drafts of psychobiography; (4) reporting never-before-revealed sensitive information on a subject; (5) role of interdisciplinary consultation in conducting psychobiography; and (6) the value and cautions of including psychological diagnoses as part of the psychological profile. A "bill of rights and responsibilities" for the psychobiographer is introduced as a stimulus for ongoing discussion and empirical research on ethical practice in psychobiography.
authors.affiliation: Fordham University.
authors.forename: Joseph G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Ponterotto
mesh_terms: D001680:Biographies as Topic; D032781:Codes of Ethics; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research; D032984:Ethics, Research; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D011584:Psychology / Q000941:ethics*