Ethics in Clinical Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide for Graduate Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle in clinical psychology that involves obtaining the client's permission before initiating any assessment or treatment?

Accepted Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Question 2

In clinical psychology, which ethical principle emphasizes the client's right to make decisions regarding their own treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

A client discloses thoughts of harming others during a therapy session. Which ethical principle should the psychologist prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Duty to warn and protect

Answer

Competence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 4

Which of the following relationships between a therapist and a client is considered a dual relationship?

Accepted Answer

Treating a family member or friend

Answer

Consulting with another professional about a client

Answer

Supervising a colleague

Answer

Conducting research on clients with informed consent

Question 5

In ethical decision-making for clinical psychologists, it is crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Consider the potential consequences for all parties involved

Answer

Rely solely on personal values and beliefs

Answer

Follow established rules uncritically

Question 6

The principle of confidentiality generally prohibits clinical psychologists from:

Accepted Answer

Disclosing client information without informed consent

Answer

Discussing client cases with colleagues for professional consultation

Answer

Using anonymized client data for research purposes with IRB approval

Answer

Seeking supervision or consulting on client cases

Question 7

Which action by a clinical psychologist would violate the ethical standard of competence?

Accepted Answer

Providing therapy for a disorder they are not adequately trained to treat

Answer

Seeking supervision or consulting when needed

Answer

Staying abreast of new research and developments in the field

Question 8

The ethical principle of non-maleficence requires clinical psychologists to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid causing harm or minimizing potential harm to clients

Answer

Avoid dual relationships at all costs

Answer

Always prioritize the client's wishes

Answer

Maintain confidentiality under all circumstances

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Balancing client confidentiality with the need to report suspected child abuse

Answer

Choosing the most evidence-based treatment approach

Answer

Deciding whether to accept a client who may not be a good fit

Question 10

The ethical principle of beneficence requires clinical psychologists to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize the potential benefits of therapy for clients

Answer

Avoid causing harm to clients

Answer

Maintain confidentiality at all times

Answer

Respect the client's autonomy

Question 11

When obtaining informed consent from a client before administering a psychological assessment, it is essential to ensure the client:

Accepted Answer

Comprehends the assessment's purpose, procedures, and potential implications.

Answer

Has attained the age of majority.

Answer

Is fully aware of all potential outcomes.

Question 12

Which scenario exemplifies a dual relationship in the context of clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

A therapist providing therapy to a close friend or family member.

Answer

A therapist consulting with a colleague regarding a client's case.

Answer

A therapist conducting research involving their students as participants.

Answer

A therapist referring a client to a specialist for additional support.

Question 13

The primary ethical objective of confidentiality in clinical psychology is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard clients' privacy and foster trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Answer

Facilitate the sharing of client information with other professionals.

Answer

Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation.

Answer

Prevent the misuse of client information for harmful purposes.

Question 14

In situations where a client's safety or the safety of others is at risk, a therapist may be ethically obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Breach confidentiality and disclose relevant information to appropriate authorities.

Answer

Refer the client to another therapist for further assessment.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and continue therapy as planned.

Question 15

The ethical principle of beneficence requires clinical psychologists to:

Accepted Answer

Act in ways that promote the well-being and best interests of their clients.

Answer

Seek regular external supervision and support.

Answer

Refrain from causing any harm to their clients.

Answer

Uphold confidentiality under all circumstances.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies an ethical dilemma in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

A therapist faced with the challenge of maintaining confidentiality when a client discloses plans for self-harm.

Answer

A therapist contemplating the choice between different therapeutic approaches for a particular client.

Question 17

The ethical decision-making process in clinical psychology typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying the ethical issues, considering relevant ethical principles, and weighing potential benefits and harms.

Answer

Adhering to a rigid set of predefined rules.

Question 18

Which of the following is an inappropriate strategy for addressing boundary violations in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the behavior and hoping it will resolve itself.

Answer

Seeking consultation or supervision to address the issue.

Answer

Documenting the boundary violation.

Answer

Establishing clear boundaries with clients.

Question 19

The ethical principle of non-maleficence requires clinical psychologists to:

Accepted Answer

Refrain from causing harm to their clients.

Answer

Respect their clients' autonomy and decision-making.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality at all costs.

Answer

Actively promote the well-being of their clients.

Question 20

When a therapist suspects a client's family member of perpetrating childhood abuse, which ethical principle should guide their decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Duty to Protect

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Question 21

Which of the following is a primary role of an ethics committee in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Providing consultation and guidance on ethical issues

Answer

Enforcing ethical standards

Answer

Investigating complaints against clinicians

Answer

Reviewing and approving research proposals

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT recognized as a core ethical principle guiding clinical psychologists?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 23

A client requests that their therapy sessions be kept strictly confidential. However, the psychologist becomes aware that the client poses an imminent threat of harm to themselves or others. In this situation, the psychologist:

Accepted Answer

Has an ethical obligation to break confidentiality and take appropriate action to ensure safety.

Answer

Must continue to maintain confidentiality without exception

Answer

Can disclose the information to the client's family members without consent

Question 24

When a client expresses suicidal ideation, the psychologist's ethical responsibility includes:

Accepted Answer

Taking immediate steps to ensure the client's safety and well-being

Answer

Referring the client to another mental health professional without intervention

Answer

Continuing with the therapy session as planned, disregarding the client's disclosure

Question 25

Which of the following is a potential ethical concern associated with the use of technology in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining confidentiality in the face of potential data breaches and privacy concerns

Answer

Increasing efficiency and convenience

Answer

Improving communication and accessibility of care

Answer

Enhancing therapeutic outcomes

Question 26

The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct:

Accepted Answer

Provide a framework for ethical decision-making and behavior for clinical psychologists

Answer

Are legally binding in all US states and territories

Answer

Can be disregarded if a psychologist has personal objections

Question 27

A client discloses that they are struggling with substance use. The psychologist's ethical obligation includes:

Accepted Answer

Referring the client to appropriate treatment resources and providing support

Answer

Confronting the client about their behavior without offering assistance

Answer

Ignoring the disclosure as it is outside the scope of therapy

Question 28

Under which circumstance might a psychologist be justified in breaking client confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

When the client poses an imminent and serious danger to themselves or others.

Answer

When the client explicitly requests it.

Answer

When the psychologist believes it is in the client's best interests to do so.

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 30

The process of obtaining informed consent from a client involves ensuring that they have:

Accepted Answer

Comprehension, voluntariness, and capacity to make decisions.

Answer

Intelligence, consent, and desire for treatment.

Answer

Awareness, willingness, and ability to participate.

Answer

Knowledge, choice, and eligibility for treatment.

Question 31

In situations where a psychologist has a dual relationship with a client, they should:

Accepted Answer

Disclose the potential conflict of interest, seek consultation, and consider terminating the therapeutic relationship if necessary.

Answer

Continue providing therapy without disclosing the conflict.

Answer

Terminate the therapeutic relationship immediately.

Question 32

The ethical principle of beneficence requires psychologists to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of their clients, promoting their well-being and minimizing harm.

Answer

Avoid causing harm to clients.

Answer

Obtain informed consent from clients.

Answer

Respect clients' confidentiality.

Question 33

Which of the following is an appropriate way for a psychologist to handle confidential client information?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing it to other professionals only with the client's explicit consent.

Answer

Storing it indefinitely without any security measures.

Answer

Storing it in an unsecured location, accessible to unauthorized individuals.

Question 34

The ethical decision-making process in clinical psychology generally involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical issues, considering relevant ethical principles, and evaluating potential courses of action, seeking consultation when appropriate.

Answer

Following the advice of a supervisor without question.

Question 35

Which of the following behaviors is considered a breach of ethical standards in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in any sexual or romantic relationship with a current client, even if the client initiates or consents to it.

Answer

Referring a client to a competent and qualified colleague.

Answer

Providing pro bono services to clients in need.

Answer

Documenting client sessions accurately and maintaining thorough records.

Question 36

The American Psychological Association's (APA) Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct primarily provides guidance on:

Accepted Answer

The ethical responsibilities and obligations of psychologists.

Answer

The licensing and certification requirements for psychologists.

Answer

The insurance coverage for psychological services.

Answer

The continuing education requirements for psychologists.

Question 37

Which of the following is a common ethical dilemma that psychologists may encounter?

Accepted Answer

Deciding whether to report a client's threat to harm themselves or others, while respecting their confidentiality.

Answer

Setting appropriate fees for services.

Answer

Choosing between different therapeutic approaches for a client.

Question 38

The primary purpose of ethical consultation in clinical psychology is to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain guidance on ethical issues from experts in the field

Answer

Guarantee a definitive resolution to every ethical dilemma

Answer

Shift responsibility for ethical decisions to external parties

Question 39

If a client discloses an intent to harm a specific individual, the psychologist's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize the safety of the potential victim and consider breaking confidentiality to inform authorities.

Answer

Encourage the client to consult legal counsel or seek their guidance

Answer

Maintain strict confidentiality to safeguard the client's privacy

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT among the fundamental ethical principles outlined in the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Code?

Accepted Answer

Empathy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity and Responsibility

Answer

Justice

Question 41

In research involving human participants, the process of providing detailed information about the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and the right to withdraw is known as:

Accepted Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality Agreement

Answer

Risk Assessment

Answer

Debriefing

Question 42

When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, the psychologist's immediate ethical responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough risk assessment and collaborate with the client to develop a safety plan.

Answer

Advise the client to seek support from family or friends

Answer

Directly admit the client to a hospital without their consent

Question 43

If a psychologist receives a subpoena requesting client therapy records from a court, they should:

Accepted Answer

Seek legal counsel and explore options to protect client confidentiality while complying with the legal obligation.

Answer

Decline to comply, citing client confidentiality without further action

Answer

Immediately release all records as required by the subpoena

Question 44

The ethical principle of "beneficence" in clinical psychology primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing actions that promote the well-being and best interests of the client

Answer

Ensuring equitable treatment and access to services for all clients

Answer

Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding client information

Question 45

In situations where a client struggles with treatment decision-making, the psychologist's ethical responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide comprehensive information and support to empower the informed participation of the client in their treatment plan

Answer

Encourage the client to rely solely on their emotions and personal beliefs

Answer

Make the decisions on behalf of the client based on professional expertise

Question 46

A crucial step in ethical decision-making for psychologists involves:

Accepted Answer

Consulting relevant ethical guidelines and seeking input from colleagues when needed

Answer

Making decisions based on past experiences and intuition

Answer

Relying solely on personal values and beliefs

Question 47

Which ethical principle emphasizes the psychologist's responsibility to safeguard client information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 48

A client's written agreement to participate in a research study exemplifies which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Dual relationships

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 49

Which scenario BEST exemplifies a dual relationship in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

A therapist dating a former client.

Answer

A therapist referring a client to a trusted provider.

Answer

A therapist documenting client sessions accurately.

Answer

A therapist sharing case notes with a colleague for consultation.

Question 50

The ethical decision-making process for a clinical psychologist typically involves ALL of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Personal bias

Answer

Client values

Answer

Ethical codes

Answer

Legal implications

Question 51

A breach of confidentiality can MOST LIKELY lead to:

Accepted Answer

Erosion of trust and harm to the therapeutic relationship.

Answer

Improved clinical outcomes.

Answer

Increased client engagement.

Question 52

A psychologist providing therapy to a family member is considered to have:

Accepted Answer

A conflict of interest.

Answer

A dual relationship.

Answer

Beneficence.

Answer

Informed consent.

Question 53

A key ethical consideration when working with clients from diverse backgrounds is:

Accepted Answer

Cultural sensitivity and competence.

Answer

Economic status.

Answer

Political affiliation.

Answer

Religious beliefs.

Question 54

The ethical principle of non-maleficence obligates psychologists to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid causing harm to clients.

Answer

Benefit clients.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality.

Answer

Respect client autonomy.

Question 55

When working with a client expressing suicidal thoughts, a clinical psychologist faces the ethical challenge of:

Accepted Answer

Balancing confidentiality with the duty to protect.

Answer

Providing effective treatment.

Answer

Establishing rapport.

Answer

Obtaining informed consent.

Question 56

Ethical guidelines for clinical psychologists are primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

Professional standards and legal regulations.

Answer

Personal values.

Answer

Cultural norms.

Answer

Client preferences.