What does the term "dual relationship" imply in ethical psychology practice?

The term "dual relationship" in the context of ethical psychology practice refers to situations in which a psychologist has more than one relationship with a client, potentially including both a therapeutic relationship and a non-therapeutic one, such as a social or business relationship. This can occur when a psychologist knows the client outside of the therapeutic context, which may lead to complications in maintaining professional boundaries and could create conflicts of interest.

The reason A is correct is that it explicitly captures the essence of dual relationships by acknowledging the social connection between the psychologist and the client. This social acquaintance may influence the therapeutic dynamics and decision-making processes, demanding careful consideration and management by the psychologist to avoid ethical pitfalls.

In contrast, maintaining professional boundaries at all times is indeed a goal of ethical practice but does not define what a dual relationship is. A dual relationship inherently suggests some overlap of roles. The statement about relationships with no potential for conflict of interest misunderstands the inherent risks associated with dual relationships, as these situations often lead to precisely the type of conflicts that ethical guidelines seek to avoid. Lastly, describing relationships as strictly therapeutic overlooks the complexity that dual relationships introduce, which can affect the therapeutic process and the ethical considerations involved.