Ethical Practice in Operational Psychology

Book excerpt: "In the late 1990s, a number of psychologists who supported national security programs would meet monthly to collaboratively discuss program and research initiatives. The need for psychologists to remain focused on a professional and ethical practice of psychology in support of national security operations was a frequent topic of those meetings. Thus, the meetings often served as professional peer consultations in a practice domain that has come to be known as operational psychology. Various potential and real ethical conflicts related to the practice of psychology in support of national security missions were addressed in those meetings. Many of those discussions serve as the foundational impetus for this book. It also goes without saying that the dramatic increase in relevance and practice of operational psychologists in a post-9/11 world reinforces the need to bring that foundation into a structure of practice. This volume is intended to help frame that structure and guide those operational psychologists, who now face a vast array of complex challenges around the world. It is our intention that this volume provide firsthand knowledge about the key areas of operational psychological practice and the ethical analysis needed to operate in this relatively uncharted territory"--Book. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).