A Biographical Analysis of the Ethical Principles of Nelson Mandela: Lessons for Applied Psychology

Abstract

The decisional process and ethical principles of Mandela, the leader of the African National Congress who later became the President of South Africa, were analyzed and compared with the principles and decisional process of practice in professional psychology. The results show that, like professional therapists, Mandela must make decisions with having specific precedents as a guide, and which required the application of principle and consideration of conflicting interests. The principles shared by Mandela and the B. C. Association of Clinical Counsellors Code of Ethics included respect, integrity, open-mindedness, acceptance of diversity, standing up for his principles, working collaboratively to find solutions to the country‘s problem. Differences were found concerning the process by which in professional psychology, decisions are made in the best interest of the individual or family while in Mandela‘s case decisions must be made in the best interest of the country.