Which term best describes the guiding principles for determining helpful or harmful behavior?

The term that best describes the guiding principles for determining helpful or harmful behavior is ethics. Ethics encompass a set of moral principles that guide an individual's conduct and decision-making. In the context of peer support and mental health, ethics involve understanding what is considered right or wrong in terms of treatment, support, and interpersonal interactions.

Ethical guidelines help establish boundaries and define acceptable behaviors in the relationship between a peer specialist and those they support. These guidelines ensure that individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and help prevent harm. Additionally, ethical considerations play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the peer support relationship, ensuring that the support provided aligns with the best interests of individuals seeking help.

While other terms like integrity, accountability, and empathy are important traits or concepts, they are more specific or narrower in focus compared to ethics. Integrity relates to being honest and having strong moral principles; accountability is about taking responsibility for one's actions; and empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. None of these fully encapsulate the comprehensive nature of what guides ethical behavior in determining helpful versus harmful actions.