Does APA policy allow psychologists in the military, CIA or those employed as consultants to participate in torture if they are ordered to do so?
A. No. As the 2007 resolution clearly states: “there are no exceptional circumstances whatsoever … that may be invoked as a justification for torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including the invocation of laws, regulations or orders.” Moreover, if psychologists find themselves in such a situation, they have a professional and moral responsibility to try to stop such tactics. If they cannot prevail, then the psychologists must not participate in any way in such interrogations and have an ethical responsibility to report them to the appropriate authorities. APA is trying to help foster the adoption of polices and procedures across the federal government that define torture clearly and consistently and prohibit it under any circumstances.
Related Questions
- Does APA policy apply to psychologists who observe other people engaged in torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment? What responsibility do psychologists have?
- Does APA policy allow psychologists in the military, CIA or those employed as consultants to participate in torture if they are ordered to do so?
- Isn’t it true that APA’s prohibitions against torture apply only when psychologists act as health service providers?
