PSYC FPX 3520 assessment 2

Case Study 3: Dr. Frank – Practicing Psychology

This case study presents the challenge that Dr. Frank, a practicing therapist with his own issues getting in the way of his professional and ethical decision-making, faces. Dr. Frank, with his own private practice, is unable to locate clients with health insurance, and consequently, faces economic distress. A desperate situation is when a client presents to him with symptoms similar to Depression, insured, but diagnosed as having Dependent Personality Disorder, typically not covered by insurance. Dr. Frank, driven by economic need, pushes the client towards a diagnosis of Major Depression, violating ethical standards for his own economic benefit. The decision demonstrates Dr. Frank’s unethical conduct, rooted in impaired self-regulation.

The Concept of Self-Regulation

Self-regulation, which is important in carrying out personal activities through regulation of thought, behavior, and feelings, is emphasized in social psychology literature (Baumeister & Bushman, 2020). It enables individuals to exercise conscious control over oneself for personal development, acquiring capacity to think logically, and influencing positive ethical values.

Research Support

A Journal of Media Psychology study specifies motivations for self-regulation of social media behavior (Ozimek & Förster, 2021). It outlines how individuals seek validation and endorsement on the internet, in line with personal expectations. Additionally, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explores the role of importance in stimulating self-regulation, demonstrating its role in successful goal achievement (Critcher & Ferguson, 2016).

Research Interpretation

These studies identify diverse motivations for self-regulation, driven by external pressures and individual goals. They illuminate the complex dynamic of internal and external influences on self-regulatory actions.

PSYC FPX 3520 Assessment 2 Self Regulation

Application of Self-Regulation

Dr. Frank’s action is the best reflection of self-regulation driven by external pressures, empathy, and self-interest. His unethical act, driven by economic pressure and sympathy for the client, is a reflection of a compromised self-regulatory process.

Ethical Reasoning Application

Dr. Frank’s ethical failure best represents the theory of Incrementalism, in which individuals become attracted to acting immorally under multiple pressures (Baumeister & Bushman, 2020). Financial pressures and occupational stress lead Dr. Frank to sacrifice his ethical principles.

Critical Thinking Application

Dr. Frank’s decisions illustrate Egocentric Thinking by placing value on self-interest over ethical norms (Baumeister & Bushman, 2020). His actions that aim to personally benefit economically violate the interest of the patient and ethical behavior.