APA Standards on Multiple Relationships

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent in research?

To minimize the duration of the research

To provide participants with monetary compensation

To increase the number of participants in the study

To ensure that participants are appropriately informed about the study (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a required element when obtaining informed consent?

The participant's right to receive financial compensation (correct)

Description of foreseeable risks

Limits of confidentiality

Details about the control group's experience

Under what condition can psychologists dispense with informed consent?

If institutional approval has not been granted

If participants have previously consented to similar research

If the research involves minimal risk to participants (correct)

If the study requires deception to achieve its aims

Which factor must psychologists inform participants about when obtaining informed consent?

The potential benefits of participating in the research Signup and view all the answers

What must psychologists clarify to participants at the outset of intervention research?

The experimental nature of the treatment Signup and view all the answers

What should psychologists do prior to testing regarding confidentiality?

Discuss limitations on confidentiality with test takers Signup and view all the answers

What is included in informed consent according to APA guidelines?

The reasons for testing and its potential consequences Signup and view all the answers

When is informed consent not usually required before testing?

When testing is mandated by law or regulations Signup and view all the answers

What must psychologists explain to test takers after testing?

How scores will be used and their meaning Signup and view all the answers

What should psychologists do if a client wants to waive confidentiality?

Discuss the implications of releasing information Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to protect test materials according to APA guidelines?

To maintain the integrity and validity of tests Signup and view all the answers

What should psychologists do when requesting test data according to guidelines?

Make reasonable attempts to maintain integrity and security Signup and view all the answers

What is required prior to terminating therapy according to the APA Ethics Code?

Psychologists must provide a pre-termination plan and suggest alternative service providers. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'de facto abandonment' refer to?

When a therapist is not reasonably available, leading to abrupt termination of care. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes intentional abandonment?

Psychologists are aware that further treatment is required but still terminate care. Signup and view all the answers

During a planned termination discussion, which topic is important to address?

Reviewing the initial treatment goals and progress made. Signup and view all the answers

What could lead to a malpractice suit in the context of abandonment?

The psychologist failing to recognize the need for further treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of termination should be included in a termination plan?

How to practice skills on their own after therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What should psychologists do if a client's needs are not being met before termination?

Discuss the unmet needs and provide referrals. Signup and view all the answers

According to the term 'unintentional abandonment', which scenario applies?

The therapist mistakenly thinks no further treatment is required when it is. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of facilitating a conversation about termination with a client?

It helps in the emotional processing of therapy ending. Signup and view all the answers

What measures should psychologists take when disposing of data and information in telepsychology services?

Dispose of data in a way that protects client's confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment considerations are particularly important for psychologists providing telepsychology services?

Discussing limitations of assessment procedures with the client beforehand Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of PSYPACT?

To allow licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology across state lines Signup and view all the answers

What must psychologists do to practice telepsychology in other PSYPACT states?

Apply for an Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) Signup and view all the answers

How many continuing education credits related to telehealth must psychologists obtain each time they renew their PSYPACT practice?

3 CE credits Signup and view all the answers

What principle relates to social justice that psychologists should be familiar with?

Principle D of the APA code Signup and view all the answers

What should psychologists take precautions against in their practices?

Potential biases in their judgment Signup and view all the answers

What must psychologists do before providing assessment procedures suitable for telepsychology?

Make appropriate accommodations for diverse clients Signup and view all the answers

What is one requirement of practicing under PSYPACT?

You should designate your home state for practice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for psychologists providing telepsychology?

Relying solely on in-person therapy methods Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the criteria for involuntary commitment under Pennsylvania law?

The person must pose a clear and present danger to themselves or others. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required condition for the immediate treatment of a person under involuntary examination?

Having a history of substance abuse. Signup and view all the answers

What is a safety plan intended to achieve?

To ensure safety based on the individual's needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration a person can be held under 302 commitment for emergency treatment?

120 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following people or services are included as supportive contacts?

Family members. Signup and view all the answers

An individual must be considered severely mentally disabled in which situation to qualify for involuntary examination?

If they cannot fulfill basic care needs without assistance. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in a safety plan for maximum effectiveness?

Multiple coping strategies and contacts. Signup and view all the answers

Which commitment under PA law allows further extension of treatment beyond 120 hours?

303 commitment. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature of creating a safety plan?

It should be developed collaboratively with the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a person needs immediate treatment according to the involuntary commitment guidelines?

Substantial self-mutilation and risk of further harm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

APA and PA Standards

Know the APA and PA standards regarding multiple relationships, assessment, therapy, confidentiality limitations, advertising, record keeping, fees, education, training, supervision, and research and publication.
Know the key points from the course readings.
Understand the major findings from the studies (those in lectures are prioritized).

Multiple Relationships

Definition: A multiple relationship exists when a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and is also in another role with the same person; involved with a person closely associated with the person in the professional relationship; or promises a future relationship with the person.
Unethical multiple relationships: A multiple relationship is unethical when it is likely to impair objectivity, competence, or effectiveness, or places the client at risk for exploitation or harm.
Cases: Multiple relationships made up 50% of cases opened by the APA Ethics Committee in 2015. 23% of disciplinary actions by the PA State Board between 1997-2003 involved multiple relationships.

Therapist-Client Sexual Relationships

Prevalence: 4.4% of therapists report having a sexual relationship with a client. Perpetrators are almost always male, and victims are overwhelmingly female.
Repeat Offenders: Therapists who engage in sexual relationships with clients are likely to repeat the behavior.
Client Harm: 32% of patients involved in sexual relationships with therapists had experienced incest, child sex abuse, or rape before the initiation of therapy. 80% of involved clients harmed after termination, with 14% having attempted suicide and 12% filing formal complaints.
Client-Therapist attraction: 87% of psychologists report feeling sexually attracted to their clients.

Boundary Crossings & Boundary Violations

Boundary: Behaviors that are on the edge of what is considered acceptable professional practice.
Boundary Crossing: A deviation from usual clinical behavior that is either benign or helpful to the therapy or relationship.
Boundary Violation: A transgression that is clearly harmful and/or exploitative to the client.

Gottlieb's Multiple Relationships Decision-Making Model

Model uses 3 dimensions to analyze relationships: low, mid-range, high power; brief, intermediate, long duration; and specific, uncertain, indefinite termination.
Use the model to evaluate both current and contemplated relationships, considering role incompatibility, feelings, behaviors, etc.

Disclosure of Test Data

Psychologists need to discuss test limitations and possible disclosures of test data and results with the client before testing. This is sometimes implied based on regulations or other contextual considerations. Informed consent should include discussion about the nature of testing and what the client can expect.

APA Guidelines for Psychological Assessment and Evaluation (2020)

Psychologists must maintain competence in testing, assessment, and evaluation; have appropriate training and supervision; and be mindful of potential negative impacts on multiple parties (e.g. clients, patients, the public).
Understand that psychological assessment and evaluation should use appropriate measures for the particular context.
Be aware of factors that may influence testing, such as the type of setting, purpose, and population.

Ethical Termination of Therapy

Guidelines exist for ethical termination of therapy. Therapist must determine if the client longer needs the service and whether they would benefit, or be harmed, from continued intervention.
Ensure that a clear, documented plan for transfer of care is in place.
Terminate when threatened by the client, or involved in a relationship that risks harm to another party.

Confidentiality

Be aware of laws and regulations related to confidentiality including those relating to telepsychology.
Maintain records for a specific period of time as mandated by various jurisdictions.

Test Data and Test Materials

Test data: Raw and scaled scores, client responses, and psychologist notes from testing.
Test materials: Test questions, stimuli, protocols, and manuals, excluding test data. Test materials are more heavily protected than test data.

Telepsychology

Psychologists conducting services through telecommunication technologies should ensure their competence with technologies utilized and their implications for patients/clients, other professionals etc.
Ensure patient confidentiality with appropriate protocols.

Child Abuse Reporting

Knowledge of specific definitions and categories of child abuse (e.g., bodily injury, serious neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, etc.) in the state of Practice is important.
Understand who is a mandated reporter, and the reporting requirements.

Suicide

Know risk factors for suicide, and the criteria for involuntary commitment.
Understand how to identify and assess risk.
Know how to conduct suicide risk evaluations/assessments, and use related tools.
Be familiar with procedures for involuntary commitments.

Teaching, Supervision, and Research

Psychologists need to design education and training programs responsibly, consider fairness, and address competency of students and supervisees, ensure accuracy in descriptions of these programs, and consider accuracy in teaching materials, ethical use of deception with safeguards in research, appropriate publication credit and avoidance of plagiarism.

Business Issues

Ethical standards related to advertising and business practices in psychology, including various media and methods to connect with others.

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Description

This quiz covers the APA and PA standards related to multiple relationships in psychology. It explores definitions, ethical implications, and key findings from relevant studies and readings. Understanding these concepts is vital for maintaining professionalism and ethical practices in psychology.