Participation Response

Must be new and original work and not duplicated to other students.

Must give responses for participation to each discussion...responses must be at least 150 words.

One of the potential ethical issues raised in this scenario could first be an issue of competence. It should be noted that Dr.X is specialized in criminal cases not custody evaluations. Under the code 2.01 (Scope of Competence) of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology Dr. X must consider a factors to include: specialized nature of the service, relevant training/experience she has and the time she has available. Other issues in this scenario are: Multiple Relationships, Conflict of Interest and Exploitative Relationships. A multiple relationship is defined by "a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person (Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, 2011).

The multiple relationship occurred by the fact the potential "client" is her husband's boss. There is also the issue of conflict of interests and the potential to have exploitative relationship. Under code 3.06 (Conflict of Interest) of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Dr. X must refrain taking on roles when (1) impair their objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing their functions as psychologists or (2) expose the person or organization with whom the professional relationship exists to harm or exploitation.

The resolution to this problem is a simple one; this scholar would first resolve the issue in an informal manner. She would first speak to her husband telling him she does not have the expertise to do the evaluation; she may offer him a point of contact to someone who does have the credentials to perform the evaluation properly. Most people do not have to abide by the ethical codes of other people's profession; however, people do understand the need to be competent in the work or service that is being provided. Many times the simplest situation is the best answer.