Welcome to the Nexus of Ethics, Psychology, Morality, Philosophy and Health Care

Welcome to the nexus of ethics, psychology, morality, technology, health care, and philosophy

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Can We Talk?

Colleague Assistance Committee

Civic Virtue: Behavior that promotes the good of the community
Pro-Social Behavior: Caring about and acting on behalf of others

Why are these things important for psychologists? Are they important? How can such behavior improve our profession and our professional lives?

The members of PPA’s Colleague Assistance Committee work to promote self-care among the mem­bership. Last fall we found ourselves talking about what our obligations might be, as psychologists, to one another and our profession — and how such pro-social behavior is really an extension of good self-care (and vice versa). As we care for one another, we also support and nur­ture ourselves and our profession. We found ourselves wondering…

  • Do we, as psychologists, have an obligation to support one another, to reach out to one another?
  • As psychologists, have we made a commitment to one another?
  • How can we support our fellow psychologists?
  • How can we promote a culture of professional collegiality and support?
  • How can we demonstrate care for one another in our places of employment?
  • Do we promote transparency, trust and open communication at work and when working with other members of PPA? Or do we engage in split­ting, triangulation, one-upmanship, and gossip?
  • When we need to correct a colleague, do we do so in a manner which is affirming of his or her value as a fellow human being? Do we take the oppor­tunity to teach, or do we belittle and punish?
  • Do we have an obligation to mentor younger psychologists and those new to the profession?*
  • Do we ask for help when we need to?

Are there things that we, as psychologists, don’t talk about with our colleagues? Are there things that you wish that you could talk about? Why don’t we talk about these things?

What do you think?

* Did someone act as a mentor to you? If not, what kind of mentor do you wish you’d had? Whom can you mentor? Please consider serving as a mentor for one of PPA’s early career psychologists. If you are interested, contact Dr. Michelle Herrigel, chair of the ECP committee.