Here is a link to an article regarding the role psychologists can effectively play in the media, as well as their ethical responsibilities. Over at In the News, Dr. Franklin has posted more specifically on the whole "Dr. Phil" fiasco, including a few tidbits I was not aware of. While I agree with the first article that the specifics of the his efforts regarding Brittney Spears aren't known, it does seem that there was, at the least, some poor judgment. The public often has misconceptions about psychologists, our work, and our ethics, and the last thing the field needs is further mixed messages.
Here is a link to an article regarding the role psychologists can effectively play in the media, as well as their ethical responsibilities. Over at In the News, Dr. Franklin has posted more specifically on the whole "Dr. Phil" fiasco, including a few tidbits I was not aware of. While I agree with the first article that the specifics of the his efforts regarding Brittney Spears aren't known, it does seem that there was, at the least, some poor judgment. The public often has misconceptions about psychologists, our work, and our ethics, and the last thing the field needs is further mixed messages.