Psychodramatists' Opinions: Should the Professional Psychodrama Community Have a Formal Code of Ethics?

Abstract

To determine whether a general standard of practice needs to be established that addresses a professional code of ethics for psychodramatists, the authors sent a survey to 200 professionals in the field. Results from 55 completed surveys were analyzed and are presented. Over 94% of these respondents were in favor of a formal written code of ethics for the psychodrama profession, for inclusion of mandatory instruction on ethical standards in psychodrama training programs, and for inclusion of a section on ethical standards and issues in the credential testing of psychodrama practitioners and TEPs. Many other aspects of the survey support proactive efforts by psychodramatists to develop, implement, and enforce a code of professional ethics.