Sanctions for Ethics Violations: Does Licensure or Socioeconomic Status Matter?

Abstract

Although sexual relationships between therapists and their clients are unethical, such beahviors still occur. This study investigated whether psychologists with applied versus nonapplied training differed in the severity of sanctions advocated for psychologists charged with sexual ethical violations toward high- or low-socioeconomic status victims. Licensed and Nonlicensed psychologists (N=48) viewed a 15-min videotape simulating the adjudication process about an alleged sexual involvement between client and psychologist, then prescribed either: Dismissal of Charges, Educative Advisory, Educative Warning, Reprimand, Censure, Stipulated Resignation, Permitted Resignation, or Expulsion. The alleged victim was described as a college professor of home economics or a hairdresser. Licensed psychologists chose more severe sanctions ("Stipulated or Permitted Resignation") than did Nonlicensed psychologists ("Censure"). Socioeconomic status made no significant difference in sanctions. Apparently, applied therapy training results in more severe judgements toward those who violate American Psychological Association ethical guidelines than other types of psychology training.

Psychological Safety for Mental Health Practitioners: Suggestions from a Defense Lawyer

“…This character flaw can spawn bias, prejudice, and discrimination against members of an out-group (i.e., a practitioner under scrutiny for wrongdoing); consequently, objectivity and justice may be subverted. Incidentally, Richards and Noblin (1999) conducted a study that revealed that practicing psychologists, such as those who might sit on a licensing board, tended to impose more strict discipline for a presumed violation of ethics than other types of psychologists. 3.…”

Falling From Grace: Understanding an Ethical Sanctioning Experience

“…As part of their professional training and responsibilities, counselors are expected to understand how complaints are reviewed and why sanctions are imposed (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2005; Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2007; Sommers‐Flanagan & Sommers‐Flanagan, 2007). One of the many responsibilities of state licensing boards and professional association ethics committees is to review complaints about counselors and their work with clients (Chauvin & Remley, 1996; Neukrug, Miliken, & Walden, 2001; Richards & Noblin, 1999). These boards and committees also hold ethics violation hearings when complaints are made that warrant such actions.…”

“…If a complaint is made, it is reviewed by the licensing board and/or ethics committee, and the findings can result in a dismissal of charges or a range of sanctions. Sanctions received vary from situation to situation and include remedial, educational, probation, suspension, educative warning, reprimand, censure, stipulated resignation, permitted resignation, and expulsion (Corey et al, 2007; Richards & Noblin, 1999). Each state and professional organization has varying interpretations of professional standards of practice and ethical guidelines, and the severity of sanctions may not be uniform across states and organizations (Phelan, 2007; Richards & Noblin, 1999).…”

“…Sanctions received vary from situation to situation and include remedial, educational, probation, suspension, educative warning, reprimand, censure, stipulated resignation, permitted resignation, and expulsion (Corey et al, 2007; Richards & Noblin, 1999). Each state and professional organization has varying interpretations of professional standards of practice and ethical guidelines, and the severity of sanctions may not be uniform across states and organizations (Phelan, 2007; Richards & Noblin, 1999). Across all settings, the sanctioning process has a system in place that offers counselors the opportunity and right to appeal a committee's decision (Chauvin & Remley, 1996).…”