Code of ethics
Last updated: July 3, 2021.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICAL CODE OF PSYCHOLOGISTS
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Application
II. General Principles
III. General Rules of the SZEK
Eligibility to Practice Psychological Activities
Commitment and Responsibility
Requirements of Professionalism (Professional Competence)
Relationship with the Client
Confidentiality Obligation
Research Ethical Principles
Communication, Publication
Public Appearance and Advertisements
Handling Ethical Issues
I. INTRODUCTION AND APPLICABILITY
The primary aim of the Professional Ethical Code (hereinafter referred to as SZEK) is to establish the fundamental system of rights and obligations that accompany the psychologist's practice of their profession. Beyond duties formally regulated by law, it emphasizes moral responsibility and provides concrete content. The principle of the SZEK is respect for individual rights and dignity, striving for high-level competence, keeping competence boundaries in sight, and preserving the integrity of the psychologist role and personality. It seeks to provide a reliable basis for deciding how a psychologist should act, especially in situations where they encounter problematic, conflicting situations while practicing their profession. Therefore, the SZEK, besides ethical principles, also contains important behavioral prescriptions.
When widely disseminating these rules, the institution employing the psychologist must be informed about the mandatory professional-ethical regulations during the psychologist's work. All this promotes respect for the psychologist's profession and can provide assurance that the psychologist can perform their work properly, offering protection against demands that contradict the SZEK's regulations. This also serves to protect individuals (institutions) utilizing the psychologist's services.
The guidelines and prescriptions of the SZEK are mandatory for members of the Hungarian Psychological Society (hereinafter referred to as MPT) and the Association for the Protection of Interests of Hungarian Psychologists (hereinafter referred to as MPÉE) and are implemented in their professional activities.
Lack of knowledge of the SZEK or incorrect interpretation of its contents does not exempt the psychologist from consequences.
II. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The General Principles are not itemized behavioral requirements, but general human values that should serve as a guiding principle, "ars poetica," for the psychologist throughout their activities so that they can practice their profession at the highest level. Due to their comprehensive, guiding, and mindset-forming nature, the principles cannot be considered grounds for sanctions.
Respect for Human Dignity
Psychologists respect the human dignity of individuals and their right to develop their abilities and personality. Dignity, in accordance with constitutional principles, is an inherent quality of human life, which is indivisible and unrestricted, and therefore equal for all people. Psychologists respect individual, cultural, and role differences and always respect human rights. Their conduct and activities are free from discrimination, including any discrimination based on race, skin color, gender, language, religion, political or other beliefs, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
Commitment and Responsibility
Psychologists base their relationships on trust and mutual understanding. They feel responsible toward society, their narrower community, and their clients. In cooperation with colleagues and institutions, psychologists follow the principles of mutual cooperation during their psychological activities, fulfilling their correct informational obligations. They ensure that others also behave ethically and adhere to the SZEK's regulations. They work selflessly for the common good.
Integrity
Psychologists' activities are characterized by accuracy, honesty, and sincerity in scientific research, education, and psychological practice. They keep promises and do not undertake obligations that cannot be fulfilled. They do not falsify or misappropriate facts or results, nor do they manipulate or deliberately misinterpret them.
Professionalism
Psychologists are aware of the limits of their knowledge and abilities and the possible harmful consequences. They are committed to clients' rights to access services and receive equal quality. As psychologists' decisions can significantly impact others' lives, they pay special attention to ensuring that those decisions are professionally grounded and free from any personal, financial, social, organizational, or political influence.
Desire to Help
Psychologists always keep the principle of "primum non nocere" in mind in their work. Their main goal is to help others and avoid harm. This applies both to their manifestations directed at clients and their spoken or written expressions regarding them. They ensure that their physical and mental health does not impede their ability to help others.
Handling and Protection of Personal Data
Psychologists handle personal data that come to their knowledge in accordance with the applicable Hungarian and European Union data protection regulations.
III. GENERAL RULES OF THE SZEK
ELIGIBILITY TO PRACTICE PSYCHOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
1.1. A psychologist is an individual who has obtained a qualification in psychology as a major subject at a university, in full-time, evening, correspondence, or supplementary form, and applies the principles and methods of this science professionally (as an occupation) in practice, education, and research.
1.2. They may only engage in activities for which they have the appropriate qualifications to carry out professionally, and which the law entitles them to perform. Regardless of the area of expertise or type of employment, they consider the SZEK's regulations binding on them.
COMMITMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY
2.1. Within the framework of their professional competence, psychologists take responsibility for their decisions, applied procedures, methods, their expected outcomes, and professional interventions affecting individuals, groups, or society. In all professional activities, they act in accordance with the SZEK.
2.2. They are aware that their activities impact the lives of individuals they come into contact with during their professional work (development of personality, lifestyle, social situation). They bear professional responsibility both for protecting the individual's and the society’s interests. In all activities, they respect the individual's rights ensured by the Constitution and various laws.
2.3. They perform their activities to the best of their knowledge and conviction, within legal frameworks, adhering to the SZEK's regulations. They fulfill the instructions and requests of their employer or client by adhering to these obligations.
REQUIREMENTS OF PROFESSIONALISM (PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE)
3.1. During their professional and educational activities, psychologists always strive to apply and advocate the most modern professional procedures. To maximize the opportunities offered by scientific advancements, they keep pace with the results of their discipline (branch) and strive to facilitate its development.
3.2. In areas where specialized psychologist qualifications can be obtained under current regulations, psychologists without such qualifications yet strive to acquire the specialization as soon as possible. Until then, they preferably seek the help of a colleague with a specialization.
3.3. During professional or educational activities, psychologists are conscious of the opportunities and limitations their expertise provides. They only undertake tasks within their competence that they can base on their studies, professional experience, examinations, and consultations. Otherwise, they request supervision or hand over the task to someone else. They do not accept tasks that create a situation of conflict for them or may be used abusively.
3.4. If they plan to undertake a task that is new to them concerning population, field, or procedure, they seek appropriate training, professional supervision, consultation, or conduct research.
3.5. They refrain from undertaking a task or assignment if they know or should know that their personal limitations or problems are likely to prevent the task's professional completion. If such a situation arises, they take appropriate steps, such as requesting professional consultation, to clarify if they need to limit, suspend, or end the activity.
3.6. Psychologists are tolerant towards different approaches within psychology and respect the legitimacy of approaches different from their own. In client relations, they do not express value judgments about other approaches.
3.7. They aim to establish mutually supportive, good relations with colleagues. As leaders, they take care of the professional development and advancement of their subordinates (psychologists, interns, laboratory assistants, etc.). They regard the maximum assistance of psychology students and early-career colleagues as a particularly honorable duty.
3.8. They address the best possible solution to their tasks by striving to cooperate with colleagues in related fields. They initiate collaboration in situations that require recognizing the limitations of their own scientific or professional competence.
3.9. For individuals under medical treatment where psychologists' activities might affect medical therapy, or medical therapy might influence psychological activity, they proceed only after consulting with the treating physician.
3.10. They strive to achieve work conditions that allow for complete fulfillment of the professional activities' requirements. In inadequate work conditions, they do not risk iatrogenic harm.
3.11. They assert professional autonomy in choosing their methods and procedures. They accept instructions only from those entitled to their professional guidance. In cases of uncertainty or dispute, they consult competent experts to develop a proper standpoint and objectively consider their observations and recommendations.
3.12.
They ensure the reliability of their diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They use only methods they learned during professional training. They assess results obtained from new procedures applied in Hungarian practice with increased diligence and can consider these results in forming their opinion. However, they do not base any diagnostic or therapeutic work solely on new procedures. 3.13. In their work area, they determine the extent of psychological activities that can be carried out without a psychology diploma, if necessary. In allocating tasks, they ensure that (a) the person is not in a dual relationship with the examined individual, (b) they only delegate tasks they have verified the person can independently or under supervision solve. They bear professional responsibility for assisting in personal examinations and data processing, and for the supervision of the assistant's work.
3.14. Psychologists do not entrust psychological procedures (tests, examination, therapeutic, and other intervention tools) to non-psychologists. They do not train unauthorized individuals to use methods requiring psychological qualifications and do not teach the use of psychological tests outside psychology training. They ensure that psychological examinations or interventions are not performed by unauthorized individuals. If such a case comes to their knowledge, they try to stop it through personal influence; if unsuccessful, they report the fact to the Ethics Committee.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CLIENT
4.1. Psychologists' clients are individuals, organizations, and institutions they contact in examination, counseling, treatment, or psychological care, either individually or in group settings.
4.2. In every client relationship, they are maximally considerate of the human dignity and interests of their client(s). They refrain from any expression, activity, or use of language that could harm the dignity of the person or apply negative discrimination based on age, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, nationality, religion, disability, economic-social status, or any other reason prohibited by law.
4.3. To avoid dual relationships, they do not establish a psychological client relationship (a) with family members, relatives, friends, direct colleagues, or individuals with whom they have other close ties, (b) with individuals closely related to another client. Dual relationships not reasonably expected to degrade the service or exploit the client are not considered unethical.
4.4. If, during the client/therapeutic relationship, a relationship develops between the parties (friendly, emotional, etc.) that endangers the desired professional work, they end the work, request supervision when justified, and take particular care not to harm the other party's client/therapeutic interests.
4.5. They do not use their relationship with the client to gain any advantage. In collaboration, they strive to precisely define the frameworks of work with the client. In private practice, they clarify the financial compensation for the service at the start of the client relationship, as part of defining the work frameworks. The relationship with the client is recorded orally or in writing, detailing the fulfillment and any compensation terms.
4.6. Psychological activities like diagnosis, therapy, and expert opinion preparation can only be conducted based on results obtained from personal examinations with the client. Exceptions include phone or internet psychological first aid, crisis intervention, counseling, or official evaluations prepared based on preliminary professional opinions from others, but it must be indicated which previous personal examinations the expert opinion relies on.
4.7. In internet services, they ensure the eligibility (official qualification, specialization) to provide the service is verifiable and inform the client about the security risks associated with the medium. During client relationships formed through various media, they adhere to SZEK's regulations.
4.8. Psychologists are not required to personally verify, but if necessary, suggest further professional examination per the administration rules of the employing (commissioning) institution.
4.9. Before beginning personal examinations, psychologists inform the client about their confidentiality obligation and suggest any entitled recipient of the psychological opinion. (See also SZEK Chapter 5!) They inform clients (including minors) about the purpose, results, potential consequences of the activities according to their age, education level, psychological state, etc., and whether they can refuse to participate in the activities, and the expected consequences of such refusal.
4.10. If picture or sound recording, or use of a two-way mirror is necessary in personal examinations, they request written consent from the client (or those legally responsible for them) beforehand and ensure that the test person's behavior cannot be observed by unauthorized individuals.
4.11. If psychological services are legally or otherwise mandated, they inform the individual about the anticipated service, its nature, and the limits of confidentiality beforehand.
4.12. Psychologists inform the test subject, or their legal representative or parent if the individual is limited in capacity, about the examination's results and written documentation in a non-ambiguous way fitting their state, transferring experiences and summarizations understandably to the commissioner or examined individual. Only qualified psychologist colleagues may access the minutes. They inform the client or other commissioners in a summarized opinion.
4.13. Clients have the right to ensure that during their examination and treatment, only those individuals participate whose involvement is necessary for the service, or those whom the client consents to be present.
HANDLING AND PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA
5.1. Psychologists have an obligation of confidentiality regarding all psychological and personal data that become known during client care, which belong to the psychologist's confidentiality sphere. These data may be communicated only to those entitled to receive them and must be managed confidentially. The obligation of confidentiality remains even after the client's relationship is concluded.
5.1.1. Psychological confidentiality encompasses all psychological and personal identification data revealed during professional activities, as well as necessary or ongoing or concluded treatment data and other data recognized in connection with the treatment, regardless of whether learned through written, oral communication, or any psychological examination.
5.1.2. Psychological data includes those related to the affected individual's intellectual and mental state, behavioral, adoptive parent, foster parent, guardianship tasks, and exclusion or suitability for fulfilling such tasks, occupational suitability, or exclusion from it, pathological passion, and any data observed, examined, measured, mapped, or derived, or data influencing these (e.g., family environment, occupation).
5.1.3. Personal identification data: family and first name, maiden name, gender, birthplace and date, mother's maiden family and first name, residence, stay place, social security identification number (TAJ number) collectively or any of these if suitable or may be suitable for identifying the concerned.
5.1.4. Regarding the handling, preservation, or destruction of test and therapeutic documentation, psychologists act according to the Act CXII of 2011 on informational self-determination and freedom of information (hereinafter Infotv), as well as the regulations of the European Parliament and Council (EU) 2016/679 on the protection of natural persons concerning personal data handling and on free data flow, and repeal directive 95/46/EC ("GDPR"). Psychologists manage personal data only during client care, to the extent necessary for fulfilling the care. They handle personal data confidentially and provide access only to those individuals where deemed advisable and absolutely necessary. Otherwise, they make data accessible to third parties within the frame of Infotv. Psychologists take all necessary steps, including obtaining appropriate consent declarations, needed for lawful personal data management.
5.2. In capturing and handling psychological data, psychologists comply with the following requirements:
Data capturing and handling must always be fair and lawful.
Data must be accurate, complete, and, if necessary, timely.
The storage method must be suitable for identifying the subject for only the time necessary for the storage goal.
5.3. They respect the client's wish regarding whom the anticipated outcome and results of the psychological examination can be disclosed.
5.4. The psychological data of the affected client must be communicated without client consent if this is
required by law, or
necessitated by the protection of others.
5.5. Data can be communicated without the client's consent to the person caring for the client if the lack of knowledge adversely affects the client's psychological state. They can share the secret entrusted to them with the parent within this if the child suffers no harm. However, if psychologists conclude that releasing confidential information seriously harms the child's interests, they must continue to hold it confidential.
5.6. They ensure for the client that during their examination and treatment only those individuals are present whose participation in care is necessary and those to whom the client consents. Confidentiality obligations also apply to individuals present during client examination and involved in care. The psychologist must alert these individuals of their confidentiality obligation and inform them about the content of confidentiality.
5.7. With individuals (or their legal representatives) or organizations with whom they have a professional or scientific relationship, psychologists discuss (a) the proper boundaries and extent of confidentiality, and (b) the predictable use of information obtained during the relationship, preferably beforehand or as new circumstances arise. They preserve the service secrets of the organization employing or commissioning them.
5.8. Psychologists providing service or information through electronic media alert clients/clients to risks affecting confidential data and confidentiality.
5.9. They ensure that their publications, reports, lectures, or media statements do not uncover confidential information without the affected consent or legal authorization. They ensure personal data, organizational, or circumstance information is concealed so that it cannot identify subjects.
RESEARCH ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
6.1. In both planning and executing basic and applied research, psychologists adhere to the requirements of professionalism.
6.2. If research requires institutional approval, psychologists provide necessary information and obtain permission in advance. The research is conducted following the authorization.
6.3. Participation of a subject in research (hereafter V. Sz) is decided by the subject themselves. To obtain written "informed consent," they provide understandable information about:
Research aim, anticipated duration, applied procedures, methods;
The rights to refuse participation and withdraw from research;
Anticipated consequences of refusal or withdrawal;
Any research element affecting participation intention (e.g., potential risks, disadvantages);
Positive outcomes from research;
Confidentiality boundaries;
Benefits from participation;
Whom to contact for questions regarding research participants' rights.
6.4. If a subject cannot responsibly decide this question (e.g., is mentally ill, disabled, or a minor), the decision lies with the responsible person or legal representative.
6.5. Informed consent is not required (a) if the research is reasonably assumed not to cause any burden or harm (e.g., examining ordinary educational processes, educational or teaching methods, anonymous questionnaire surveys, natural observations, work position or organizational efficiency research that does not risk participant employment or personal rights); (b) if otherwise permitted by law, regulation, or institutional rule.
6.6. Research excludes any conditions or circumstances that have harmful effects or consequences on subjects.
6.7. If using recorder, hidden microphone, video recorder, or two-way mirror becomes necessary, they request written consent from the client (or legally responsible person) beforehand, ensuring examination subjects' behavior is not observed by unauthorized individuals. If professional considerations require deviation from this practice, psychologists explain afterward how the subject's behavior was observed or registered, only using the recorded material further with written client consent.
6.8. Situations involving potentially burdensome effects or deception are only included in research if the problem cannot be professionally examined in other ways. These burdens must not harm dignity and must remain within responsibility limits (measures) and conform to necessary precaution measures, informing participants after deceptive research. They provide opportunities for participants to process burdensome experiences.
6.9. If research involves clients, university students, or subordinates, they ensure against adverse consequences for refusal or withdrawal during the experiment.
6.10. In planning foundational and applied psychological research, its process, and reporting results, psychologists aim to minimize the misinterpretation of the examination. In analyzing examination data, all relevant data are considered. Nothing is omitted or concealed that might alter results or interpretation. (Unproductiveness is also reported.)
6.11. They ensure retention of raw and intermediate research data for at least five years, to verify that data authenticity anytime.
6.12. After reporting research results, they do not refuse data transfer to competent professionals whose goal is data re-analysis. Data cannot be released if it violates confidentiality rights or if legal regulations prohibit issuance.
6.13. They adhere to general ethical publication rules, including formal requirements (citation method, co-authorship, client or their representatives’ consent, acknowledgment, etc. (See SZEK Chapter 7).
6.14. Psychologists take into account that their relationship with the subject may be perceived or develop independently as a client relationship. In this case, psychologists work to resolve the situation. If new roles (e.g., therapist, consultant, etc.) can be assumed (having appropriate professional competence and reconcilable with research), then specific (e.g., clinical) professional ethical rules apply. If they cannot assume new roles, psychologists clarify with the subjects and, if necessary, arrange for external assistance.
6.15. Rules for psychological research activities involving animals:
Comply with animal protection laws and meet applicable regulations during experimentation.
An experiment involving intervention in animal physical integrity requires veterinarian involvement.
Placement, care, and feeding of experimental animals are monitored by a veterinarian or competent specialist.
Design and conduct experiments so that animals waive undue risk or pain unless there is no alternative procedure and the intervention is justified by scientific, educational, or practical value.
If experiments inevitably cause pain (e.g., electrode installation), but the pain is irrelevant to the experiment goal, researchers anesthetize the animal.
After the experiment, researchers ensure normal well-being restoration (e.g., medical post-treatment).
If animals cannot be kept alive after the experiment, researchers ensure their demise is painless.
COMMUNICATION, PUBLICATION
7.1. Psychologists adhere to internationally accepted publication rules in all forms of publication, be it scientific or educational, and consider the assumed knowledge and familiarity of the target audience (reader, listener) with the subject. They always aim for clear, understandable communication, striving to exclude misunderstandings and misinterpretations. They also pay attention to this in reports and oral communications given to non-psychologist (e.g., doctors, engineers, teachers, economists) colleagues or commissioners.
7.2. In publications aimed at scientific, professional circles, they provide information enabling readers to verify the accuracy and correctness of their statements.
7.3. Psychologists only attribute their name to publications representing their achievement or showing significant contribution to research. They ensure readers are clearly informed about what aspects of questioning, applied method, result analysis, and evaluation are their own intellectual product and what is sourced from others. They do not publish others' work details or data as their own, even if the original author's work or data source is cited occasionally. If psychologists use others' work, the text cites both the source text and bibliography, applying direct quotes where appropriate.
7.4. When reporting research findings, they do not publish texts or data previously published elsewhere as original. Such texts or data can only be published with proper reference to the original publication.
7.5. Publications accurately reflect the degree of contribution of the authors enlisted. Merely holding a position or title does not entitle one to greater publication credit than deserved by contribution. Minor contributions to research or publication are acknowledged in footnotes or the introduction.
7.6. In publications aimed at non-psychologist professionals (educational articles, lectures), psychologists introduce psychological investigative procedures (tests, etc.) in a way that does not lower usability or enable unauthorized use.
7.7. Those reviewing materials for conference presentations, publications, scholarships, research support, respect confidentiality obligations and copyright.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE AND ADVERTISEMENTS
8.1. Public appearance includes paid and free advertisements, competitions, brochures, advertisements, printed or electronic media comments, legal proceedings, lectures, public verbal presentations, and publications.
8.2. In all public appearances, psychologists aim to earn trust and respect for their profession. They oppose any professional or non-professional expression that wrongly highlights psychological activities either socially or professionally, or compromises them with unjust, exaggerated expectations.
8.3. They do not consent to the use of their name in connection with activities or work related to their profession for which they cannot take responsibility.
8.4. They do not make knowingly misleading statements about
Their qualifications,
Experience or competence,
Position, academic degree,
Entitlements,
Institutional, corporation affiliation,
Services,
Remuneration,
Publications, and scientific results.
8.5. In radio and television appearances, press statements, etc., where they consider the audience's variety and lack of direct perception opportunity for their effects, they pay special attention to adhering to SZEK's relevant regulations.
8.6. During consultation or opinion expression in written, electronic media, or the internet, they ensure their statements and manifestations (a) are based on professional expertise, qualification, and practical experience, consistent with appropriate psychological literature and general practice, (b) comply with SZEK's regulations, (c) do not create an impression of established professional relationships between the psychologist and the recipient, (d) do not yield unauthorized advantages through this situation.
8.7. Those who commission others for promoting their own professional activities, achievements, and services are fully responsible for the content.
8.8. They do not pay press, radio, television, or other media members to appear publicly or in news coverage.
8.9. Psychologists advertising workshops, seminars, or other non-academic educational programs, are accountable for the published content. These announcements accurately define
The participant range,
The program aim,
The kind of qualification or certification provided,
Participating speakers, and
Participation fees.14
HANDLING ETHICAL ISSUES
9.1. Investigation and resolution of complaints regarding violation of SZEK's regulations are carried out by the MPT and MPÉE Ethics Committee (hereafter EB) per the applicable Organizational and Operational Rules.
9.2. If psychologists recognize their work is being misused or misrepresented, they take steps to rectify the situation.
9.3. When encountering contradictions between SZEK's demands and legal regulations or other institutional rules, they attempt resolution in SZEK's spirit. If unsuccessful, they comply with legal regulations or institutional rules. They inform EB of the case for conflict resolution.
9.4. If they realize another psychologist violates SZEK's regulations, they attempt informal resolution first. If this fails, they inform the other psychologist the issue will be reported to EB.
9.5. To achieve the realization of the Ethical Code, psychologists are committed to cooperating with EB. If their name arises concerning a professional ethics problem, refusal to cooperate with EB is an ethical breach in itself. Asking EB to suspend ethics proceedings until the end of court procedures is not considered cooperation denial. EB may still take a position in cooperation refusal cases.