California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Dual relationships can arise in what contexts?

1. Only professional ones between practitioners.

2. Only social relationships outside of practice.

3. Social, business, or professional relationships.

4. Strictly familial relationships.

The correct answer is: Social, business, or professional relationships.

The concept of dual relationships refers to situations where an individual holds multiple roles with another person, particularly within a professional context. This is particularly relevant in fields such as counseling, social work, and psychology, where the nature of the client-practitioner relationship is critical to maintaining ethical standards. The correct answer identifies that dual relationships can encompass social, business, or professional interactions. This means that a practitioner could have a client who is also a friend, a colleague, or someone with whom they engage in business. Recognizing these potential dual relationships is essential as they can complicate the professional dynamic and create ethical dilemmas. For instance, a therapist who is also a family friend may struggle to maintain professional boundaries, risking the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention. In contrast, the other options limit the contexts in which dual relationships can arise. The notion that they occur only within professional or strictly social contexts disregards the broader range of potential interactions, which can involve varying degrees of complexity and ethical consideration. Identifying these relationships is critical for ensuring that the integrity of professional practices is upheld.