Formulation of an Ethical Framework for the Professional Activities of Iranian Psychologists and Counselors in the Virtual Space

This study aimed [s۴.۱]to develop an indigenous ethical framework for the professional practice of Iranian psychologists and counselors in the digital space. This qualitative study employed thematic analysis based on the Braun and Clarke (۲۰۰۶) model. Participants included ۱۳ highly experienced experts and practitioners in the field of psychology and counseling in Iran, selected through purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, and the sampling process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis led to the identification of seven main themes and ۲۵ sub-themes. The main themes were: inadequacies of the current ethical code and regulatory system, challenges related to privacy and data security, erosion and violation of professional boundaries, ambiguity in professional identity and role, conflict with fundamental ethical principles, technical and skills-related considerations, implementation barriers and proposed solutions, and cross-border challenges. The core theme was identified as "the necessity of a paradigmatic shift from in-person ethics to digital ecosystem ethics." In response to the identified challenges, a set of practical ethical codes was extracted and organized into five main pillars: competence and transparency, confidentiality and data security, maintaining professional boundaries, content production, and interventions in specific circumstances. The findings underscore the urgent need for the development and implementation of indigenous ethical frameworks tailored to Iran's cultural and legal context.

کلیدواژه ها:

Professional Ethics ، Cyberpsychology ، Digital Space ، thematic analysis ، Indigenous Ethical Codes