A code of ethics is based on six moral principles. Which of the following is one of those principles?

A code of ethics is based on six moral principles. Which of the following is one of those principles?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Equality
• C. Privacy
• D. Paternalism

Answer: (A)

Autonomy is about respecting a client’s right to self-determination and informed choice. In counseling, you support clients in understanding their options, provide clear information about risks and benefits, obtain voluntary consent, and honor decisions they make—even when those choices differ from your own beliefs. This respect for clients’ agency is fundamental because it preserves their dignity and empowers them to guide their own treatment. Paternalism would override the client’s choices, which clashes with autonomy. Equality is more about fair treatment under justice, not a separate label for self-determination, and privacy concerns relate to confidentiality and information handling rather than the primary concept of honoring a client’s choices.

Autonomy is about respecting a client’s right to self-determination and informed choice. In counseling, you support clients in understanding their options, provide clear information about risks and benefits, obtain voluntary consent, and honor decisions they make—even when those choices differ from your own beliefs. This respect for clients’ agency is fundamental because it preserves their dignity and empowers them to guide their own treatment.

Paternalism would override the client’s choices, which clashes with autonomy. Equality is more about fair treatment under justice, not a separate label for self-determination, and privacy concerns relate to confidentiality and information handling rather than the primary concept of honoring a client’s choices.