03_Human Relations Flashcards
Situations in which psychologists have the right to refuse to provide services
When they do not feel competent to serve, or to “difficult” individuals
It is more appropriate to refer someone who “stirs up trouble and feelings or anger in the therapist” in order to provide the most effective care
Situations in which psychologists may terminate therapy
When threatened or otherwise endangered by client
or by someone client has a relationship with
Sexual Harassment
Definition
Behaviors that are sexual in nature and are unwelcome, offensive, or create a hostile work / educational environment
Behaviors that would be recognized by a reasonable person as being abusive
How many acts are necessary to constitute Sexual Harassment?
One severe act
or
Multiple Persistent/pervasive acts
Establishing Unreasonableness of behavior when it’s not so clear-cut a case
Once a request has been made that defines a behavior as offensive, but the indivdual continues the behavior
E.g.: employee asks boss to stop commenting on her physical appearance–from that point, if boss does not not stop, they are vulnerable to a charge of sexual harassment
Two Situations that constitute Sexual Harassment
Quid pro quo
Hostile Environment
Sexual Harassment:
Hostile Environment
Sexually offensive behaviors that make it difficult for an employee to perform their job
Sexual gestures, jokes, remarks, pictures
Two main risks associated with Multiple Relationships
Impaired objectivity, competence, or effectiveness
Exploitation or harm
Multiple Relationships occur when a psychologist is a professional relationship with the person, and __________.
Has another relationship with that person
[or with somone closely associated/related]
Or promises to begin another relationship in the future
When are multiple relationships permitted?
When they are not reasonably expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm
A therapist practicing in small town is engages in multiple relationships with current or previous clients for services because they are the only providers of the services.
Is this ethical?
Yes.
Multiple relationships of this kind are not prohibited
Multiple Relationships:
“You first” Policy
Therapist should establish that client decides whether they acknowledge the therapist outside of the office
When a potentially harmful multiple relationship has arisen due to unforeseen factors, the psychologist should…
Take reasonable steps to resolve it with to regard for the best interests of the affected person
[in maximal compliance with Ethics Code]
E.g. discussing potential conflicts with the client; seeking consultation
Why shouldn’t a psychologist act as both an expert witness for the court and an advocate for the defendant?
There is likely to be a conflict between the goals of the legal system and the needs of the defendant
Psychologist should not conduct evaluations in child protection cases when they have previously served as a therapist to the child or family.
When can they testify in court?
As fact or expert witnesses concerning therapeutic treatment of children or families
Factors that Affect the Acceptability of a Multiple Relationship:
Power differential
Increased power differential = increased influence
= increased likelihood that relationship is unethical
Factors that Affect the Acceptability of a Multiple Relationship:
Duration of the Relationship
The longer the relationship, the more dubious acceptability of the multiple relationship
Factors that Affect the Acceptability of a Multiple Relationship:
Clarity of Termination
Relationship is less acceptable with increased likelihood that individual will desire additional professional services in the future
Example when Large Power Differential existed but a multiple relationship is acceptable
Relationship with relatives of former patient
Treatment was brief and in a clearly-defined time period
Termination of professional relationship was unambiguous
Three conditions that constitute Informed Consent
Capacity
Comprehension
Voluntariness
Informed Consent:
Three Ongoing Comprehension concerns
Consent forms are often written at a reading level beyond the ability of many adults
Difficult to determine whether individuals with mild intellectual disability fully understand information
Individual from different cultural background may have different perception of health and illness, and may not fully understand what they are being told
Informed consent:
Specific type of information that must be provided
Nature and anticipated course of therapy
Fees
Involvement of third parties
Limits of confidentiality
Informed Consent:
Experimental or other emerging procedures
Developing nature of the treatment
Potential risks involved
Alternative treatments that may be available
Voluntary nature of their participation
Informed consent:
Timing
As early as is feasible in the therapeutic relationship
Informed Consent:
Formats of Documentation
Signed written form
Audio/video tape
A note in the clients record
True or False?
If members of a certain cultural group regard verbal agreement to be sufficient, signed written consents are not necessary.
True
However, a signed written consent may be required by law or institutional regulation, depending on workplace
Consent vs Assent
Assent: when individual is a minor, or other person not legally capable of giving consents
Psychologists provide individual with an explanation and seek assent (agreement)
Permission is obtained from legally authorized person
When an adult client has not been legally declared incompetent, but the psychologist is uncertain about the client’s ability to provide informed consent, the psychologist should…
Proceed with caution
Seek consultation
Engage in a shared decision-making process with parents or other caregivers
