Volume-1 Issue-2 August, 2011
Ethics relate to code of conduct according moral principles that have been the product of gradual evolution and refinement of man’s quest to discover ways and means to safeguard the welfare of a society and its individual members. The core principles, transmitted from generation to generation, happen to be similar across cultures as different societies and religions seem to have arrived at similar conclusions. A cardinal feature of the ethical principles is its pervasive influence on all areas of society’s functioning as well as on the life of each of its members. For example, judicial principles, principles of governance, medical ethics, and even code of ideal human behavior are all based on ethics.
Most of its core features, broken down into ‘micro-components,’ are currently being marketed as principles of ‘business management’ and ‘public relations.’ These micro-components also happen to be same as, or similar to the ‘coping-skills’ or ‘life-skills’ that are emerging in the current medical literature as contributors to human wellbeing. Moreover, the components of ideal human behavior have already appeared in the guise of “desirable therapist qualities” or ‘non-specific therapeutic factors’ in psychotherapy outcome research. It has been established that the effectiveness of a therapist, irrespective of the method adapted, correlates with certain of his/her personal qualities called desirable therapist qualities. Examples of them are respect for the other’s individuality, good will for others, empathy, honesty, genuinity (un-pretentiousness), tolerance, etc. The patients of very successful and popular general practitioners will consistently experience these qualities in their doctors.
Thus, whether we like it or not, it would be in our own interest to safeguard our own mental health or wellbeing by sincerely following ethical values. Our ethics would also help our patients to get better.
Dr.C.Shamasundar is a distinguished former Professor of Psychiatry at National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences. He is a pioneer, who introduced formal Psychotherapy training at NIMHANS and also psychiatry training for general practitioners. He is well known for his keen interest in ethics. He can be contacted at drshamasundar@yahoo.com
