2016

Limited research has examined counselors’ subjective understandings of ethicality and variables affecting ethical constructions and decision making. Through content analysis, this pilot study explored three counselors’: (a) constructions of ethicality and ethical behavior, (b) general factors influencing ethical constructions and decision-making processes, (c) role of ethical codes on ethical decision-making processes, and (d) role of personal values on ethical decision-making processes. Identified emergent themes included: ambiguity in definitions of ethics and personal values; ethical constructions influenced by ethical codes and personal values; and peer consultation and professional resources as tools that introduce multifaceted ethical conceptualizations.

Keywords: ethics, ethical behavior, counseling, values, content analysis