Cracking the ethics code: What are the ethical implications of designing a research study that relates to therapeutic interventions with children in individual play therapy?

When designing a research study it is imperative to consider the ethical implications of the project. This paper discusses the nature, definition and development of ethical practice within the field of health research and the evolving role of ethical codes and committees. The development of international standards is examined but the focus is principally on practice in Great Britain. The author draws upon Greek mythology and makes a comparison between the quest for ethical approval and Psyche's journey into the underworld. The ethical impact of including children within research is considered with particular reference to play therapy practice. It is concluded that ethical codes may seem to be encrypted but they do not need to be “cracked;” rather, they exist to guide and inform the researcher when faced with moral dilemmas. Indeed, despite the safeguards and guidelines in place this article suggests that we must still rely on the integrity of the individual to ensure that research is carried out in an ethical manner.