Navigating dual relationships in rural communities.
Jennifer L J Gonyea1, David W Wright, Terri Earl-Kulkosky
1The University of Georgia.
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
|July 26, 2014
Summary
Rural therapists often navigate dual relationships using professional judgment, focusing on client benefit, context, and relationship type. Surprisingly, supervision was not a cited strategy for managing these complex ethical situations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Ethics
Background:
- Limited research exists on dual relationships in rural mental health settings.
- Current ethical guidelines offer insufficient guidance for navigating these complex situations.
- Rural therapists frequently encounter unavoidable dual relationship scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore rural therapists' perceptions of dual relationship challenges.
- To examine the influence of minority/religious status on dual relationship likelihood.
- To understand how rural therapists manage unavoidable dual relationships.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology was employed.
- Study participants were therapists practicing in small rural communities.
- Data collection involved exploring therapists' experiences and perceptions.
Main Results:
- The primary theme was the use of professional judgment in managing dual relationships.
- Key areas for judgment included client benefit/detriment, context, and relationship nature.
- Supervision or consultation was notably absent as a reported coping strategy.
Conclusions:
- Rural therapists rely on nuanced professional judgment for dual relationships.
- Existing ethical guidelines may need revision to address rural complexities.
- Training should incorporate strategies for ethical decision-making in dual relationship contexts.
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