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Ethics

Terms in this set (29)

Dr. Callow is a licensed psychologist who has recently been hired by a mental health clinic. Several of his new patients are members of a culturally diverse group that he has not worked with before. His training, however, is appropriate for the services he will provide. As an ethical psychologist, Dr. Callow should:

A. refuse to work with these patients.
B. take a relevant APA-approved continuing education course.
C. obtain consultation from a therapist who does have experience with members of this group.
D. see the patients and seek consultation only if he experiences any problems during the course of therapy.
C. obtain consultation from a therapist who does have experience with members of this group.

Of the answers given, this one seems to represent the most ethical course of action. It is consistent with the requirements of Standard 2.01(c), which states that "Psychologists planning to provide services, teach, or conduct research involving populations, areas, techniques, or technologies new to them undertake relevant education, training, supervised experience, consultation, or study." Even though he has had no prior experience with members of this group, consultation would be the best course of action for Dr. Callow because he is competent to provide the type of treatment.
A patient experiencing chronic pain tells you that her physician has prescribed an opioid analgesic. She also says she doesn't want to take the drug because her brother is an ex-drug addict and she has had problems with alcohol in the past. You should:

A. continue to explore her feelings about drug addiction in subsequent therapy sessions.
B. support her decision and explore alternative methods of pain relief such as biofeedback and relaxation training.
C. suggest that you discuss the issue with her physician and obtain a waiver of confidentiality so that you can do so.
D. reassure her that the use of an opioid for pain is unlikely to result in addiction as long as the drug is taken as prescribed.
C. suggest that you discuss the issue with her physician and obtain a waiver of confidentiality so that you can do so.

Of the responses given, this one is the best. The Ethics Code requires psychologists to consult and "psychologists cooperate with other professionals in order to serve their clients/patients effectively and appropriately" (Standard 3.09).
Which of the following most accurately describes current laws related to a health professional's obligation when the professional learns that a client or patient who has tested positive for the HIV virus has not told his/her partner of the diagnosis and is having unsafe sex with the partner?

A. All 50 states have laws that require health professionals to breach confidentiality in this situation.
B. All 50 states have laws that require health professionals not to breach confidentiality in this situation.
C. All 50 states have laws that allow health professionals to determine whether or not to breach confidentiality in this situation.
D. The laws regarding breach of confidentiality by health professionals in this situation vary from state to state.
D. The laws regarding breach of confidentiality by health professionals in this situation vary from state to state.

Some states prohibit health practitioners from notifying partners of patients with HIV/AIDS, while others require them to do so.
Al A., a lonely, single, middle-aged psychologist and college professor, is invited to a play by a graduate student, Betty B., who Al finds sexually attractive. Betty has returned to school after a 15-year absence and has been divorced for three years. If Al accepts Betty's invitation, he will:

A. be acting unethically because the Ethics Code prohibits professors from dating students.
B. not be acting unethically as long as he doesn't become sexually involved with Betty.
C. not be acting unethically as long as Betty is a graduate student in a department other than the one Al teaches in.
D. not be acting unethically because this situation is not covered by the Ethics Code.
C. not be acting unethically as long as Betty is a graduate student in a department other than the one Al teaches in.

If Betty is a student in another department, it would likely be acceptable for Al to accompany her to the play and become involved with her.
You are asked by one of the parties in a custody case to offer an opinion as to the best custody arrangement for the couple's child at an upcoming hearing. The party making the request believes you are the best person to offer an opinion since you have been seeing the child in therapy since her parents separated 12 months ago. You should:

A. agree to the request and make sure that you base your opinion on the best interests of the child.
B. agree to the request only if you are also able to evaluate both parents.
C. agree to the request only if both parents sign a consent.
D. refuse to do so.
D. refuse to do so.

The Guidelines states that psychologists must avoid multiple relationships. For example, they should avoid assuming an evaluative role in custody cases where they already have established a therapeutic relationship with the child and/or the child's parents.
For a client or former client to successfully bring a charge of malpractice against a psychologist, he/she must show that:

A. the psychologist practiced in a way that could have led or did lead to harm.
B. the psychologist knowingly or deliberately acted in a way that led to harm.
C. the psychologist's actions were the cause of a demonstrable injury.
D. the psychologist did not adequately warn the client of the possible negative consequences of the treatment.
C. the psychologist's actions were the cause of a demonstrable injury.

This response addresses the third and fourth elements of a malpractice claim.
Dr. Strait is invited to a holiday party at a fellow psychologist's house. While there, he notices that one of the guests is a current therapy client of the other psychologist. Dr. Strait's best course of action would be to:

A. leave the party in protest.
B. contact the ethics committee as soon as possible.
C. discuss the issue with the psychologist immediately.
D. discuss the issue with the psychologist at a later time.
D. discuss the issue with the psychologist at a later time.

Standard 1.04 of the Ethics Code requires psychologists to take action when they believe another psychologist has acted unethically. Based on the information given in the question, this would be the best course of action - i.e., Dr. Strait should discuss the matter with the psychologist to determine the circumstances (e.g., the client may have come to the party without an invitation).
One of your current clients is a 31-year old man who was sexually abused as a child. During the fifth session, he tells you that he's been having fantasies about sexual contacts with children. He says he has not acted on these feelings but is concerned about them. You should:

A. advise him that you are required to make a report with the authorities.
B. attempt to determine the degree of risk that he will act on his fantasies.
C. tell him that this is not unusual for someone who has been sexually abused and continue to work on this issue in therapy.
D. contact his wife to see if she has noticed any changes in the behavior of their three children.
B. attempt to determine the degree of risk that he will act on his fantasies.

This is the best response of those given. Obviously, the man's fantasies are a "red flag" that must be taken seriously and dealt with directly.
Dr. Burgher is the only psychologist in a small town. His daughter's girl scout leader wants to begin seeing Dr. Burgher to work through some family-related problems. As an ethical psychologist, Dr. Burgher should:

A. refuse to see the woman because to do so would constitute a "multiple relationship."
B. see the woman since he is the only psychologist in town and her problems are unrelated to her role as girl scout leader.
C. determine the seriousness of the woman's problems and base his decision about seeing the woman on the outcome of that evaluation.
D. assess the potential for exploitation and loss of objectivity and base his decision about seeing the woman on the outcome of that assessment.
D. assess the potential for exploitation and loss of objectivity and base his decision about seeing the woman on the outcome of that assessment.

This is the best answer of those given because it reiterates the actual language of the Ethics Code.
When asked to testify in court regarding a defendant's potential for future violence, it is important to remember that the best predictor of future violence is:

A. nature and level of psychopathology.
B. inability to control anger.
C. the presence of certain family factors.
D. past history of violent behavior.
D. past history of violent behavior.

As common sense might suggest, past behavior is indeed the best predictor of future behavior
Which of the following sections of the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct provide(s) "aspirational goals to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of psychology"?

A. Introduction and Preamble
B. Preamble only
C. Preamble and General Principles
D. Ethical Standards
C. Preamble and General Principles

The Ethics Code is divided into four sections: Introduction, Preamble, General Principles, and Ethical Standards. As defined in the Ethics Code, the purpose of both the Preamble and General Principles is to provide "aspirational goals."
Alan A. has been receiving treatment from Dr. Larry L., a psychiatrist, for several months. Dr. L. suspects that Alan's self-esteem problems may be related to a learning disability that has caused academic and occupational failures throughout Alan's life and, to confirm his suspicions, refers Alan to Dr. Nancy N., a psychologist, for psychological assessment. During the course of testing, Alan tells Dr. N. that he is unhappy with the treatment he is receiving from Dr. L. and asks if he can begin therapy with her instead. As an ethical psychologist, Dr. N.'s best course of action would be to:

A. make an appointment with Alan to discuss the reasons for his dissatisfaction with Dr. L.
B. make an appointment with Alan but call Dr. L. to discuss Alan's decision.
C. make an appointment with Alan but suggest that he call Dr. L. to inform him of his decision.
D. recommend to Alan that he discuss the matter with Dr. L. before making an appointment with her.
D. recommend to Alan that he discuss the matter with Dr. L. before making an appointment with her.

Because of the nature of their professional relationship, Dr. N.'s best course of action would be to recommend to Alan that he discuss his dissatisfaction and possible termination with Dr. L. before beginning treatment with her.
You receive a phone call from Hermann H., age 28, who says he is "totally miserable" because of the recent breakup with his girlfriend and that he would like to begin therapy with you. During the first session with Hermann, you find out that his political views are completely repugnant to you, and you feel that you would not enjoy working with him. As an ethical psychologist, you should:

A. consult with another psychologist during the course of treatment to make sure your feelings don't interfere with your objectivity.
B. discuss the difference in political views with Hermann only if they become relevant to the psychotherapy process.
C. see Hermann in therapy until his current crisis is over and then make a referral if necessary.
D. provide Hermann with appropriate referrals.
D. provide Hermann with appropriate referrals.

Psychologists are not required to see every client who seeks their services - and, to do so, would be unethical if the client's characteristics interfere with the provision of adequate services. It's evident objectivity is already impaired as the case scenario indicates the psychologist doesn't think he'll like working with this client, therefore a referral is the best option based on the information provided.
Based on APA's guidelines, the best overall conclusion that can be drawn about dual relationships in forensic settings is that psychologists:

A. should always avoid dual relationships.
B. should avoid dual relationships whenever possible
C. may participate in dual relationships only when the client has consented to the arrangement.
D. may participate in dual relationships only when they are the result of a court order.
B. should avoid dual relationships whenever possible

This answer is most consistent with Paragraph 4.02 of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, which states: "Forensic practitioners strive to recognize the potential conflicts of interest and threats to objectivity inherent in multiple relationships. Forensic practitioners are encouraged to recognize that some personal and professional relationships may interfere with their ability to practice in a competent and impartial manner and they seek to minimize any detrimental effects by avoiding involvement in such matters whenever feasible or limiting their assistance in a manner that is consistent with professional obligations.
A psychologist who has been seeing a prison inmate in therapy is asked by the parole board to evaluate the inmate to determine his readiness for parole. The psychologist should:

A. agree to do so since she is already familiar with the inmates readiness for parole.
B. agree to do so only if the inmate agrees and signs a waiver of confidentiality.
C. agree to do so only if she has the expertise necessary to make an informed parole recommendation.
D. decline to conduct the evaluation because doing so would constitute a multiple relationship.
D. decline to conduct the evaluation because doing so would constitute a multiple relationship.

Weinberger and Sreenivassan state that, when a psychologist is acing as an individual's (inmate's) therapist "and is then asked (regardless by whom) to function as the individual's evaluator, the psychologist is engaging in a multiple relationship" if he/she agrees to do so (p. 367).
Privilege:

A. can be waived by the client.
B. can be waived by the client's therapist.
C. can be waived only by the court.
D. is waived by the attorney in a legal proceeding.
A. can be waived by the client.

The client is the holder of the privilege and can waive privilege.
The Introduction and Applicability section of the APA's Ethics Code notes that the APA may take action against a member after his/her:

A. conviction of a felony.
B. conviction of a felony or misdemeanor.
C. conviction of a felony or misdemeanor only when the offense is clearly related to the psychologists professional role.
D. conviction of a felony only when the offense resulted in a loss or suspension of licensure.
A. conviction of a felony.

The Introduction and Applicability section states that the APA "may take action against a member after his or her conviction of a felony, expulsion or suspension from an affiliated state psychological association, or suspension or loss of licensure." It does not place qualifications on these exceptions and it does not apply to misdemeanors.
With regard to the provision of "pro bono" services, the APA's Ethics Code:

A. prohibits free services.
B. advises against free services.
C. recommends free services.
D. mandates free services.
C. recommends free services.

The General Principles are aspirational (not enforceable) guidelines.
A client of yours is currently suing her employer for race discrimination. You receive a subpoena from the employer's attorney requiring you to appear at a deposition to provide information about the client. When you discuss this with the client, she tells you she does not want you to provide the employer with any information from her therapy sessions. You should:

A. provide the requested information at the deposition since privilege is waived in this situation.
B. attend the deposition but provide only that information you believe to be germane to the case.
C. refuse to attend the deposition without a court order.
D. ask your attorney to contact the employer's attorney to discuss the situation.
D. ask your attorney to contact the employer's attorney to discuss the situation.

Of the responses given, this is the best choice. When a client does not want confidential information revealed, the requesting party can be contacted to see if the request can be rescinded or modified, thereby avoiding further legal steps. Of course, another alternative would be to attend the deposition and assert the privilege, but this may be less desirable than first attempting to work out a compromise that is agreeable to all parties and it is not given as an option.
Which of the following is true about the use of hypnotically induced testimony in legal proceedings?

A. Hypnotically induced testimony is permitted in all jurisdictions as long as the hypnotherapist is licensed or certified.
B. Hypnotically induced testimony is permitted in all jurisdictions only when there is no contradictory evidence.
C. Hypnotically induced testimony is permitted in some jurisdictions under specific conditions (e.g., when corroborating evidence is available).
D. Hypnotically induced testimony is not permitted in any jurisdiction under any conditions.
C. Hypnotically induced testimony is permitted in some jurisdictions under specific conditions (e.g., when corroborating evidence is available).

Of the answers given, this one best describes the current status of the admissibility of hypnotically induced testimony in legal proceedings. Many jurisdictions have adopted a "per se exclusion" that excludes testimony about memories that first occurred during or after hypnosis. In other jurisdictions, a "totality of circumstances test" is used, which requires that certain guidelines or conditions be met so that it is unlikely that hypnosis impacted the individual's memory.
Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California (1976) established:

A. a psychotherapist's duty to waive confidentiality when a client poses a danger to him/herself.
B. a psychotherapists duty to protect an intended victim from a therapy clients violent actions.
C. the right of students or the parents of students to inspect and, when appropriate, to modify students academic records.
D. the right of students with disabilities to have test procedures modified to fit their abilities.
B. a psychotherapists duty to protect an intended victim from a therapy clients violent actions.

Although the original 1974 Tarasoff decision established a "duty to warn" the intended victim of a therapy client, that decision was superseded by the 1976 rehearing of the case which established a "duty to protect" the intended victim. According to 1976 California Supreme Court ruling, a psychotherapist has a duty to protect an intended victim of a therapy client by taking one of several actions: warning "the intended victim or others likely to apprise the victim of the danger, ... [notifying} the police, or [taking] whatever other steps are reasonably necessary under the circumstances."
Greenberg and Shuman (1997) identify ten "irreconcilable conflicts" between therapeutic and forensic relationships. Which of the following is one of the differences described by these authors between the roles of therapist and forensic evaluator?

A. In a therapeutic relationship, the psychologist's role is that of care provider; in a forensic relationship, the psychologist's role is more neutral.
B. In both a therapeutic and forensic relationship, the relationship is structured primarily by the client.
C. In a therapeutic relationship, information provided by the client is typically scrutinized for accuracy; in a forensic relationship, information provided by the litigant is rarely scrutinized for accuracy.
D. In both a therapeutic and forensic relationship, the relationship between client and therapist is rarely adversarial.
A. In a therapeutic relationship, the psychologist's role is that of care provider; in a forensic relationship, the psychologist's role is more neutral.

A. Greenberg and D. W. Shuman note that a psychologist does adopt the role of a care provider in a therapeutic relationship. However, in a forensic relationship, a psychologist does not adopt the role of advocate but instead is neutral, detached, and objective [Irreconcilable conflict between therapeutic and forensic roles,
A psychiatrist seeks to consult with you about a client of hers because of your expertise in the area of concern to the client. In this situation:

A. you should not discuss the case until a waiver has been obtained from the client.
B. you should not discuss the case until you have had a chance to evaluate the client yourself.
C. you can discuss the case with the psychiatrist without a waiver as long as the identity of the client is not revealed.
D. you need to get a waiver from the client only if you will also be providing services directly to him.
C. you can discuss the case with the psychiatrist without a waiver as long as the identity of the client is not revealed.

A consent is required in consultation situations only when the identity of the client will be revealed.
You have been working with a couple to resolve their marital conflicts. Despite months of intensive therapy, the couple has come to the conclusion that it is in everyone's best interests to end their marriage. The couple has a 12-year-old daughter and has asked you to perform a custody evaluation for the divorce proceedings. You should:

A. perform the custody evaluation as long as you are no longer providing therapy to the couple.
B. perform the custody evaluation only if you obtain consent from both parents to do so.
C. perform the custody evaluation after clarifying your roles and responsibilities with all parties.
D. not perform the custody evaluation.
D. not perform the custody evaluation.

This answer is most consistent with Paragraph II.7 of APA's Guidelines, which states "psychologists strive to avoid conflicts of interest and multiple relationships in conducting evaluations." It is also consistent with the ethical requirements regarding multiple relationships provided in Standard 3.05 of the APA's Code of Ethics and the Values Statement of Paragraph III of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Which of the following is not a necessary condition for a claim of malpractice against a therapist:

A. the therapist must have had a duty to the client.
B. the therapist must have acted in a negligent or otherwise improper manner.
C. there must be a causal relationship between the therapist's negligence and the harm claimed by the client.
D. there must be no "reasonable doubt" that an alternative course of action (treatment) was available.
D. there must be no "reasonable doubt" that an alternative course of action (treatment) was available.
Dr. Bettina B.'s new clients are a Japanese family that consists of a grandmother, mother, father, and two children. The grandmother and father speak limited English and the mother has offered to act as an interpreter. In this situation, the psychologist should:

A. allow the mother to act as an interpreter.
B. allow the mother to act as an interpreter only if she is highly proficient in both Japanese and English.
C. allow the mother to act as an interpreter only if the grandmother and father agree to this arrangement.
D. not allow the mother to act as an interpreter.
D. not allow the mother to act as an interpreter.

Standard 2.05 states that psychologists who use the services of others, such as interpreters, "take reasonable steps to ... avoid delegating work to persons who have a multiple relationship with those being served that would likely lead to exploitation or loss of objectivity." In this situation, the mother's relationship with the grandmother and her husband may bias her translations and interfere with the therapist's ability to form therapeutic relationships with family members.
When conducting research with human participants, a psychologist should be aware that:

A. participants must be debriefed promptly after their participation in the study.
B. participants must be debriefed after their participation in a study only when the study involved deception.
C. participants must be debriefed promptly if possible or, if necessary to delay the debriefing, psychologists must reduce the risk for harm.
D. the decision to debrief is left to the psychologist and involves considering the risk for harm to participants if they are not debriefed.
C. participants must be debriefed promptly if possible or, if necessary to delay the debriefing, psychologists must reduce the risk for harm.

Research participants should be promptly provided with "appropriate information about the nature, results, and conclusions of the research." When there must be a delay in providing such information, "psychologists take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of harm."
Dr. R. B. Traight obtains the permission from a child's mother and father before beginning an evaluation that will be used by the court to help determine custody rights. Before the evaluation is completed, however, the mother withdraws her consent. Dr. Traight should:

A. make a custody recommendation on the basis of the information he has already obtained.
B. continue the evaluation since the father has not withdrawn his consent.
C. continue the evaluation since both parents gave their consent prior to beginning the evaluation.
D. contact the court to determine the appropriate course of action.
D. contact the court to determine the appropriate course of action.

Given the limited information provided in this question, this is the best response of those given. Whenever one parent does not give consent (or withdraws his/her consent) for an evaluation in a custody case, the psychologist should seek guidance from the court on how to proceed.
Dr. Baron is the only licensed psychologist in a small mental health clinic. The other professionals working at the clinic include the director, who is a psychiatrist, and two social workers. Dr. Baron has just accepted a job at another clinic in a neighboring town. With regard to his client files, Dr. Baron would be best advised to:

A. leave the files with the director.
B. take the files with him.
C. ask the clients what they would like done with the files.
D. destroy the files.
A. leave the files with the director.

Standard 6.02(c) of the APA's Ethics Code requires psychologists to make sure that the confidentiality of their records is protected in the event of their withdrawal from a position.
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