Ethics of the Student and Professor Relationship Essay

When discussing the importance of professional boundaries in mental health work, most people think first of relationships between psychotherapists and clients. However, similar boundary considerations are relevant for professor–student relationships, supervisor–supervisee relationships, consultant–consultee relationships, and researcher–participant relationships. Although different dynamics are at play, the relationships psychologists have with each other, with other professionals, and with the general public have boundaries that warrant ethical consideration as well. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers some guidance. The APA Ethics Code says, in Standard 7.07: Psychologists do not engage in sexual relationships with†¦show more content†¦Most undergraduate students are legally adults, albeit often very young legal adults, who may or may not be prepared to deal emotionally with the ramifications of an intimate personal relationshi p with a superior. A close personal friendship or a romantic and/or sexual relationship with a professor in general can significantly complicate this inherent unequal balance of power. Issues of favoritism can arise, especially if other students know about the relationship. Despite the fact that the issue is being discussed among college administrations and faculty boards, students are often left out of the conversation (Barbella, 2010). Ultimately, college students are adults and thus have the legal and ethical right to choose with whom to engage in a personal, romantic or sexual relationship as long as his/her partner is a consenting adult. Navigating the emotions and politics of these relationships can even provide a lesson that cannot be taught within the confines of the classroom. Compared to most professional office environments, where archetypally extensive training on sexual harassment and intra-office romantic relationships are given, there is a relative lack of formal policy on many college campuses, and students and professors receive little or no briefing on this topic (Barbella, 2010). During most freshmen year orientation instruction are given on everything from how to get along with roommates to how to respond toShow MoreRelatedThe Professional Relationship Essay1658 Words   |  7 PagesQuestions about professional ethics get stirred up when dual relationships or professional and client boundaries are violated. The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics committee revealed 40 to 50% of complaints filed originate from concerns with dual relationships (Meyer, 2005). License held by psychological professionals are revoked when the professional disregards the rights of the clients. 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