| Growing evidence suggests that the demands of rural culture may require rural psychologists to establish non-sexual dual relationships in order to facilitate acceptance in the community and to improve utilization of psychological services in these environments (Chapman, 2001). However, non-sexual dual relationships raise ethical concerns for psychologists about the potential for client exploitation (Hargrove, 1986b; Schank & Skovholt, 1997). Although The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (1992) acknowledges the need to establish non-sexual dual relationships in limited settings, specific guidelines are sparse for managing these relationships and minimizing harm (Chapman, 2001, p. 6). Given the lack of specific professional guidance and the close interpersonal proximity inherent within rural communities, it is important to know what personal and professional resources rural psychologists use to avoid, manage, and resolve non-sexual dual relationships.; This study explored the relationship between moral reasoning (abstract moral schema) development, and knowledge and use of specific proscriptions of the APA Code of Ethics (1992 and 2002 revision) in the management of non-sexual dual relationships. More specifically, this study investigated whether individuals with more highly developed levels of moral reasoning could recognize ethically problematic behaviors associated with non-sexual dual relationships more readily than individuals with less well-developed moral reasoning skills. To test this hypothesis, the degree to which participants engage in behaviors associated with non-sexual dual relationships was examined and the number of reported occurrences was correlated with levels of moral reasoning after controlling for knowledge of the APA Code of Ethics with regard to non-sexual dual relationships. To this end, a well-known neo-Kohlbergian cognitive-developmental theory of moral development and its measurement of individual moral reasoning (i.e., Defining Issues Test-2), two surveys based on conflict-of-interest and dual relationships, and a demographic survey were used to explore the ethical problem of non-sexual dual relationships in rural communities. Data were collected from 91 fully licensed rural psychologists.; Although the major research hypothesis was not confirmed, there was a positive correlation between what a psychologist knows about the APA Code on non-sexual dual relationships and the avoidance of problematic behaviors. Specifically, the findings of this study suggest that knowledge of the APA Code does mitigate client exploitation by psychologists in rural communities where the likelihood of non-sexual dual relationships is greatest. Additionally, narratives written by many of the participants offered a rich glimpse into the realities and challenges associated with providing psychological services in small and rural communities throughout the United States. |
