In the public eye: The ethical practice of media psychology.

Abstract

Psychologists are frequently asked to work with the media in responding to current events or educating the public about psychological issues. This can run the gamut, from an occasional interview with a reporter to a weekly gig as a radio call-in host. Many psychologists have little or no training in media psychology, but it is critical to obtain such training before entering the quicksand that working with the media can easily become. There are many ethical dilemmas inherent in media work, and this article enumerates many, including competence and confidentiality. Psychologists must educate themselves about the topic being discussed, often with a "heads-up" from the reporter in advance. Reporters will often ask for clients to be provided as examples to add depth to the story. The confidentiality and welfare of the client must be considered. It is important to think clearly about many ethical issues to make working with the media a positive professional experience and an important public service.

Reflections on Being a Neophyte Sport Psychologist in the Media: Conversations With My Younger Self

“…The rise of the "celebrity psychologist" and the risks outlined above, sit alongside the opportunity provided by the media in raising awareness about the discipline (Robbins, 2009). We concur with other authors who suggest that gaining an understanding of the nature of the media request alongside clarifying expectations and agreements in advance of working with the media are critical compo nents in working effectively in such settings (McGarrah, Alvord, Martin, & Haldeman, 2009). …”

“…Penhallurich, 2009). Despite these notable challenges, opportunities will present themselves for representatives from our field to work in, and directly with the media; something that despite the potential ethical dilemmas faced can be perceived as an opportunity for professional growth (McGarrah et al, 2009). Maintaining congruence as a practitioner in the face of such ethical dilemmas is an ongoing challenge (Lindsay, Breckon, Thomas, & Maynard, 2007), one that may be particularly tested while working with the media (Biddle, 2005;Jones, 2005).…”

‘What are you taking away with you?’ Closing radio counselling encounters by reviewing progress

“…Besides, the conversation is rounded off in a way that delineates its meaningfulness as a help-providing encounter. One of the educational tasks of psychological programmes in media is to create a positive image of psychological and psychotherapeutic professions (Bouhoutsos et al, 1986;McGarrah et al, 2009), and the explicit reference to the benefits of the radio conversations with a psychotherapist may serve this goal by exemplifying the ways in which this particular type of professional may be of help.…”

“…Counselling broadcasts have been shown to provide emotional and social support, both for those participating in the programmes and for radio listeners (Bouhoutsos et al, 1986;Raviv et al, 1991). As a professional practice, media counselling yet raises ethical concerns and debates on potential dangers of publicly providing help with personal issues (see, for example, McGarrah et al, 2009). Thus, the APA first (in 1977) prohibited the provision of 'personalised advice' on television and radio and later (in 1981) allowed the provision of advice, but decided that psychologists should withdraw from direct therapeutic services in mass media.…”

“…Psychological radio counselling is described as a valuable and easily available source of helpful, or at least educational, advice that contributes to creating a positive image of care professionals to the public (Bouhoutsos et al, 1986;Levy, 1989;McGarrah et al, 2009). Counselling broadcasts have been shown to provide emotional and social support, both for those participating in the programmes and for radio listeners (Bouhoutsos et al, 1986;Raviv et al, 1991).…”