Ethical Standards for Professionals in The 21^st Century:

Looking Back from the Future

Abstract

　　These are challenging times for Japan. Globalization of the economy, expansion of information technologies, a growing population of senior citizens, continuing urbanization and suburbanization, corporate restructuring, rising unemployment, expanding youth violence, the changing role of women in education and the workforce, the escalation of global terrorism are just some of the more notable trends pressing for attention. As a consequence, family structures are changing, lifestyles are becoming more diversified, patterns of employment are changing, and a broader use of technology is shaping interpersonal relationships as security becomes a national agenda. These changes are anticipated to have significant implications for expanding the work of psychologists and other mental health professionals in the not too distant future. In particular, changes in technology, culture, and interpersonal relationships will stretch the boundaries of professional practice, offering new opportunities and challenging existing standards for ethical practice.