Managing a multiple relationship environment: The ethics of military psychology.

Abstract

Military psychologists often find themselves in situations having the potential to compromise their professional ethics. Although conflicts in confidentiality are frequently the issue, multiple relationship development is also a significant concern. Case examples involving multiple relationship issues are presented, and the American Psychological Association's (APA's; 1992) guidelines concerning multiple relationship expectancies are considered. Decision-making frameworks are reviewed, and an adaptation of M. C. Gottlieb's (1993) model for multiple relationship resolution is proposed. The authors suggest recommendations for training and supervision, and they encourage continued collaboration between the APA and Department of Defense so that these dilemmas may be more adequately addressed.The military environment presents several unique situations infrequently encountered in most traditional health care settings.One significant concern for the military psychologist is the inherent risk of multiple relationship development. According to Johnson (1995), military settings may be the most likely environments for these conflicts to occur. Such a state of affairs is particularly striking because of the military's increasing emphasis on avoiding fraternization. Adherence to what the military refers to as "good order and discipline" was recently expanded. In July of 1998, the Secretary of Defense announced that all of the Armed Services would be expected to follow consistent (and more restrictive) multiple relationship standards.Complicating this picture further for psychologists working within a military setting is the recognition that in many instances, the client is considered to be the government. Decision making for the military psychologist is often difficult given the potential conflict that arises when considering the needs of multiple clients simultaneously (the individual and the organization

Ethical Considerations for Military Clinical Psychologists: A Review of Selected Literature

“…While this mainly involves the practice of clinical psychology, they are also answerable to the chain of command and, if required or ordered, UCPs must be ready to engage in other military activities, including combat (Jeffrey et al, 1992). Indeed, it is hard to imagine other environments that present similar challenges for clinical psychologists (Staal & King, 2000). This article has identified a variety of publications concerning the ethical issues encountered by UCPs.…”

“…For example, in a report by the APA (1999), 19% of its membership terminations were for nonsexual boundary violations. Staal and King (2000) considered these observations and reviewed the issue with the use of case studies and Johnson (1995) applied similar methods to highlight the role dilemmas inherent in the work of the UCP. Indeed, this balance between patient advocate and military officer has been of concern to the profession of psychology for a number of years (Camp, 1993).…”

“…Canada, Greece, Italy, and Ireland have recently incorporated UCPs into their military (Adler & Bartone, 1999;Gamble, 2006;Hacker Hughes, 2004a, 2004b, 2004c. Finally, the United States relies heavily on UCPs and retains approximately 400 psychologists on active duty for clinical practice (Staal & King, 2000). As a result, clinical psychology has established itself as a significant force for the production and delivery of psychological science and clinical services with military populations (Page, 1996;Sammons, 2005).…”

Top Ethical Challenges for Military Clinical Psychologists

“…This is especially true in isolated or solo billet contexts in which the uniformed psychologist is expected to manage all mental health needs of local service members. Fourth, it 56 JOHNSON is nearly impossible for military psychologists to avoid frequent and close personal contact with at least some of their clients (Staal & King, 2000;Zur & Gonzalez, 2002); small military bases and units create multiple instances of proximity and contact with clients. Finally, military psychologists often find that they are unable to avoid providing treatment to colleagues, friends, and even direct supervisors.…”

Clinician to frontline soldier: A look at the roles and challenges of army clinical psychologists in Iraq

“…Many similar tensions exist back home (Staal & King, 2000). Multiple relationships provide one example.…”