What Is an Ethical Dilemma?

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Definitions

I was wondering what are the differences/definitions between an ethical issue, an ethical problem and ethical dilemma? thanks in advance

Naomie more than 3 years ago

Thank You

Thank you. This is the best definition of 'Ethical dilemma" ever. I had seen this article when I had just graduated with MSW and thank God that I had the foresight to save it in my favorites. I am now studying for my "Law and Ethics" exam and am reading it again. The table is extremely helpful. When I went to interviews I was always asked this question and have been answering it incorrectly because I was not distinguishing between "pure" and "approximate" dilemma. Thank you again.

Nina Moreno more than 6 years ago

Thank YOU

Thank you for letting us know how helpful this article has been for you and how you have used it!

SocialWorker.com more than 6 years ago

What is ethical dilemma article

Am really, really so grateful for this article and am surely contented with the information provided thereby anticipating for more. Thank you!

BALIRE HENRY more than 6 years ago

legal power of atty

if a lawyer requests you to be power of atty for a client that has no family or friends Can you terminate
your role as therapist and become involved in clients legal matter if they request your help

susan more than 7 years ago

power of attorney reply

Susan, this is a very good question. The answer depends on what is meant by power of attorney and who is being asked to make the decision. It may mean a court-appointed proxy or surrogate, as the client may no longer have mental capacity to grant a power of attorney. The question raises issues of client’s wishes/self-determination/interests, competence to act as a proxy, boundaries/dual relationships, abandonment. It is best that you consult with your supervisor and attorney about the specific situation.

SocialWorker.com more than 7 years ago

professional ethics vs the best care of your child

Professional Life Versus Family Life

Another example of an ethical dilemma involves professional ethics versus the best care of your child:

Alan works in the claims department of a major hospital. Paperwork on a recent admission shows that a traumatic mugging caused the patient to require an adjustment in the medication she is prescribed to control anxiety and mood swings.Alan is struck by the patient’s unusual last name and upon checking her employment information realizes she is one of his daughter’s grade school teachers.

Alan’s daughter seems very happy in her school and he cannot violate patient confidentiality by informing the school of a teacher’s mental illness but he is not comfortable with a potentially unstable person in a position of influence and supervision over his eight year old daughter. Can Alan reconcile these issues in an ethical manner?

arora more than 8 years ago

Comment on this case

There should be a code of ethics that his daughter's teacher (his patient) have to follow. His daughter is 8 years old, which means she is likely able to understand and speak simple sentences clearly. If Alan is not comfortable, he can check with his daughter regularly about her teacher's behaviour in school. If there is something amiss, he can consult the teacher's principal, then decide if he wants to transfer his daughter to another school. However, he cannot violate the patient's confidentiality. If he is discovered violating the patient's confidentiality, he could face problems with his employer and the law.

J 40 days ago

I needed this so bad...

I am preparing to take the licensure exam and I feel ethics is the part I am struggling most with. This table and how this article is broken down is in credibly helpful. I'm adding this to our social work survival guide at work!

Liz more than 8 years ago

Table 1 Not Available

This article is very helpful --- having access to Table 1 would make it even better. I tried reading the article through a digital port, however, the print is so tiny that I can't make out the contents of the Table reproduced there. Is there some other source through which the Table can be accessed?

Gail Lawrence more than 9 years ago

Table 1

Gail, thank you for your comment. Table 1 has now been added to this article. It is also available in the PDF version of the magazine.

Linda Grobman, Publisher/Editor more than 9 years ago

What is an ethical dilemma article

Wonderful, thank you. Now I can enjoy the article in its totality. Hopefully others will do likewise.

Gail Lawrence more than 9 years ago

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