Darshana Kulkarni and Solomon Renati
University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India
Pages: 182-193
This study examines how these orientations are applied by counseling practitioners in
India, where clinical cases feature family dynamics involving strong interdependence,
hierarchical structures and religious orientation. Six licensed clinical psychologists
were purposively selected and interviewed about moral dilemmas in their practice.
Using the Lyons coding scheme, the study identified reasoning styles in response to
various cases. Findings suggest that Indian psychologists use both care and justice
perspectives, depending on the dilemma, though they rely on a justice-oriented approach
for cases involving professional boundaries and unrealistic client expectations. The
study provided insights on the nature and uniqueness of moral dilemmas faced by
practitioners in the Indian cultural context and provides implications for ethics training
and clinical practice