ABSTRACT
This chapter prepares readers for understanding and applying ethics as pertaining to art therapy research. The emergence in Western culture of codified ethical guidelines for research with human participants is described, beginning with the response to Nazi atrocities in World War II through current concerns with vulnerable persons, underscoring the need for cultural proficiency in conducting research. Foundational ethical principles are described, including the principle of creativity by which art therapists honor and protect art processes and products created in research studies. In addition to these principles, virtue ethics are described, as are ethical decision-making processes, particularly in relation to art therapists employing a reflexive stance when it comes to research dilemmas or quandaries. The use of art in art therapy research is discussed, with emphasis upon safety of art media used, ownership of art produced in research studies, confidentiality, and secure storage of art works. Finally, research review board oversight is described.
