Ethical decision-making models: a taxonomy of models and review of issues

ABSTRACT

A discussion of ethical decision-making literature is overdue. In this article, we summarize the current literature of ethical decision-making models used in mental health professions. Of 1,520 articles published between 2001 and 2020 that met initial search criteria, 38 articles were included. We report on the status of empirical evidence for the use of these models along with comparisons, limitations, and considerations. Ethical decision-making models were synthesized into eight core procedural components and presented based on the composition of steps present in each model. This taxonomy provides practitioners, trainers, students, and supervisors relevant information regarding ethical decision-making models.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethics
• taxonomy
• decision-making models
• classification

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and my ethical obligation as a researcher, I am reporting that I have no financial and/or business interests that may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed paper.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/b43rk/?view_only=2783ecaa343a4706af6476a71e3945c8

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a College of Education and Human Services & Department of Psychology Graduate Research Award grant to Melanie K. Johnson.