2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 16
Available Online: 24 June 2026
Author/s:
Aranda, Elaine Marie D.
De La Salle University Manila, Philippines (Elaine.aranda@dlsu.edu.ph)
Abstract:
Psychological assessment is a multifaceted process involving interviews, standardized tests, observations, and record reviews to guide diagnosis, treatment, and intervention. Because assessment affects student success, community well-being, and social engagement, ethical practice is central to its validity and fairness. Since Aranda’s (2021) scoping review identified 15 recurring ethical issues across 67 studies (1983–2019), developments in artificial intelligence (AI), telepsychology, data privacy, and multicultural awareness have introduced new ethical concerns requiring updated examination. Using the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this enhanced scoping review analyzed peer-reviewed literature from 2015–2026. Objectives included expanding the range of ethical issues, identifying challenges related to AI and digital technologies, examining regulatory frameworks, addressing multicultural and regional gaps, and exploring links between ethical assessment, student success, community inclusion, and social well-being. A systematic search across Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, ScienceDirect, Frontiers, and Google Scholar identified 212 records. After screening, 76 new articles were added to the original corpus, yielding 143 studies. Emerging concerns included AI-driven assessment (n = 31), digital privacy and test data release (n = 28), telepsychology ethics (n = 17), and multicultural bias (n = 18). The APA Ethics Code remained the most cited framework. Findings indicate that ethical, culturally responsive assessment promotes accurate diagnosis, educational equity, and social trust, whereas biased practices increase risks of stigma and disengagement. Future research should develop context-specific ethical guidelines, particularly in underrepresented regions such as the Global South.
Keywords: psychological assessment, ethical issues, ethical dilemmas, artificial intelligence, telepsychology, multicultural assessment, data privacy, PRISMA-ScR, APA Ethics Code, student success
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26862
Cite this article:
Aranda, E. M. D. (2026). Ethical issues in psychological assessment. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(16), 13-26. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26862