Ethical transgressions by registered psychologists in South Africa during the period 2014–2023

Abstract

This study examines the ethical transgressions of registered psychologists in South Africa between 2014 and 2023, following a similar analysis conducted by Nortje et al. The research aims to determine whether the ethical recommendations from the previous study have resulted in a reduction of ethical transgressions among registered psychologists. The data were gathered from the records published by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. It focuses on the frequency of ethical transgressions, the nature of the misconduct cases, and the penalties imposed for professional misconduct. The results indicate that fraudulent conduct, particularly the charging for services not rendered, has now become the most prevalent type of ethical transgressions. While the overall number of transgressions showed a slight decrease throughout the study, financial penalties were again the most common form of punishment. Although previous recommendations were to take part in a regular group reflection on ethical issues that might occur, it seems there is still a gap pertaining to the need for continued ethics education and it is recommended that continued efforts are required to address the ongoing systemic factors contributing to ethical transgressions among registered psychologists.