2. Professional profiles and ethics (psychological report)+(dual relationships)

Question 1

What is a psychological report

Answer 1

Written report to present the results of the examinations performed + specific recommendations and treatments

• Instrument of communication
• public image of psychologist
• increasing importance
• increases the demand and responsibility of the psychologist
• need to update important aspects to develop a report

Question 2

Keys for a psychological report
1
2
3

Answer 2

• Appropriate qualification (degree, ongoing education, ethical and law requirements)
• Respect dignity, freedom, autonomy and privacy of the client (decide what info can be asked and what info could be revealed at the report)
• Respect and fulfill the right and duty to inform the patient (all info to decide treatment, report truthfully, patients right to get clinical info or not get it)

Question 3

Keys for a psychological report
4
5
6

Answer 3

• Organize the report contents (recommendations; author and receiver, sources of info instruments, conclusions)
• Describe the instruments and facilitate data comprehension (contrasted tools, don’t compare tests in isolation, explain so no misinterpretations possible)
• Include evaluation process, hypothesis and justify conclusion (steps, facilitate comparison of results, express limitations)

Question 4

Keys for a psychological report:
7
8
9

Answer 4

• Pay attention to style (language for receiver, precise and clear, avoid misinterpretations, avoid negative and stigmatizing terms, all scientific documents)
• keep confidentiality and professional secret (inform previously, psychologist right to deny oral or written communications when we know info will be misused)
• Ask for informed consent (necessary, usually oral, patient must consent to elaboration of report)
• Protect the documents ( responsible for security of data, keep clinic documentation at least for 5 years after discharge)

Question 5

EFPA on dual relationships

Answer 5

• may lead to conflict of interest or exploitation of client
• obligation not to exploit
• conflict of interest may stay even after the professional relationship is over, responsibility still applies

Question 6

APA on dual relationships:
definition

Answer 6

When a psychologist is in a professional relationship with someone and:
- at the same time is in another role
- at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person
- promises to be in another relationship in the future with the person or someone close

Psych. refrains from entering dual relationship if it will affect objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing his or her function

Question 7

Dual sexual relationships

Answer 7

• Happens more in male psychologists
• Factors that maintain the relationship: connection between edge broke, vagueness or confusion regarding dual relationships definition, characteristics of therapist
• In decreasing trend - more explicit code, public demands, more ethical training

Question 8

Dual sexual relationships with former patients

Answer 8

Depending on:

• elapsed time from therapy end
• duration and nature
• mental health of client
• chance of re-start therapy
• patients free choice

Question 9

Dual sexual relationships, APA

Answer 9

After 2 years its ok

If you start one, prove no exploitation or abuse

Question 10

Non-sexual dual relationships

Answer 10

• friends or family
• employees
• friendships
• attend to social events
• financial of business relationships
• casual meetings
• service interchange

Question 11

General strategies for dual relationships

Answer 11

ethical and dangerous situations training
- limits on: meeting place, time, fees, gifts, personal communications, not sexual physical contacts