The Hoffman report: The lesson we learned (?)

Abstract

In 2015, psychologists internationally were shaken by the discoveries made by D. Hoffman and his team of attorneys that demonstrated the collusion of the American Psychological Association (APA) officials with the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency, and their involvement into an ‘extensive interrogation’ programme, simply meant—torture. Resolute steps were expected from the APA as well as from the psychological community in general, and some steps were taken. This paper poses the question: have we, as a community of helping professionals around the world, really learned the lesson given by the report? Rather than give a direct answer or offer a ‘pill’ to increase ‘ethics’, this paper offers a perspective as to how it became possible and why it is still possible to become involved in the Hoffman-like affair. It is suggested that improvement of the situation may be achieved in two ways. First, to personalise ethical codes, making them more flexible in terms of personal choice of values and action. Second, by raising awareness to the suprasituational nature of ethical deeds that encompass situational needs, goals, and motives; as well as a broader perspective for which a person bears responsibility.