Competence has many meanings in the Ethics Code. It can refer to being qualified to do the job based on knowledge, training, or degree, or it may refer to the scientific judgments as in sexual abuse or child custody cases. Competency in the Ethics Code also refers to personal issues, such as a professional's personal problems interfering with his or her ability to work in the field. Based on your reading in Chapter 5 and two scientific journal articles along with the Ethics Code, review a case study from Chapter 5 where the competency of the professional is in question.

Using the case study you picked from the book, identify the issues and potential conflicts. Look at areas like personal problems and conflict of interest, along with any of the standard competencies.

Case Study:

A teaching psychologist who was undergoing outpatient treatment for a life-threatening medical disorder found it increasingly difficult to prepare lectures, grade papers, and mentor students effectively. The psychologist consulted with the chair of the department, who agreed to assign an experienced graduate teaching assistant for the lectures. The psychologist also asked a colleague to serve as a consultant on the two dissertations he was currently mentoring.