Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Psychology: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of ethics committees in clinical research?

Accepted Answer

Safeguard the rights, safety, and well-being of research participants

Answer

Grant final approval for research proposals

Answer

Monitor the progress of clinical studies

Answer

Provide legal advice to researchers

Question 2

Which legal framework establishes the ethical guidelines for psychologists in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

British Psychological Society Code of Ethics and Conduct

Answer

Ethical Principles of Psychologists

Answer

Data Protection Act

Answer

Mental Health Act

Question 3

In the UK, which organization is responsible for investigating complaints against psychologists?

Accepted Answer

Health and Care Professions Council

Answer

General Medical Council

Answer

British Psychological Society

Answer

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Question 4

Confidentiality is a key ethical principle in clinical psychology. However, does it apply equally to all types of patient information?

Accepted Answer

No, certain types of patient information, such as billing records or contact details, are not considered confidential.

Answer

Yes, all patient information is strictly confidential and cannot be disclosed under any circumstances.

Answer

Confidentiality only applies to information that is specifically disclosed by the patient during therapy sessions.

Question 5

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle in clinical psychology, emphasizing respect for a client's rights and choices?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Self-interest

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice (fairness)

Question 7

Which ethical principle requires psychologists to obtain written consent from clients before initiating treatment, ensuring they are fully informed of the process and potential risks involved?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Which legal requirement establishes the minimum standards of care that psychologists must adhere to in their practice, ensuring they provide competent and ethical services to clients?

Accepted Answer

Duty of Care

Answer

Code of Conduct

Answer

Clinical Guidelines

Answer

Ethical Principles

Question 9

Which ethical principle involves avoiding any form of intimate or sexual contact with current or former clients, to maintain professional boundaries and prevent exploitation?

Accepted Answer

Professional boundaries

Answer

Dual relationships

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Question 10

Which legal requirement prohibits discrimination in employment based on an individual's mental health status, ensuring equal opportunities and protection against unfair treatment?

Accepted Answer

Equality Act 2010

Answer

Mental Health Act 2007

Answer

Data Protection Act 2018

Answer

Health and Social Care Act 2012

Question 11

A therapist's legal and ethical obligation to protect client privacy is known as:

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Duty to warn

Answer

Privilege

Answer

Informed consent

Question 12

The process of obtaining a client's agreement to treatment after explaining its purpose and potential risks is known as:

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Risk assessment

Answer

Client education

Answer

Therapeutic alliance

Question 13

Which ethical principle requires psychologists to act in the best interests of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 14

Which action would violate client confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing client information without their explicit consent.

Answer

Discussing a client's case with a supervisor in a private setting.

Answer

Sharing client information with other healthcare professionals directly involved in their care.

Answer

Using client information for research purposes after anonymizing the data.

Question 15

In clinical psychology, what is the primary purpose of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

To guarantee that patients fully comprehend the potential benefits and risks associated with treatment before providing their consent.

Answer

To safeguard therapists against legal repercussions.

Answer

To document that patients have been informed of their rights.

Answer

To obtain permission for sharing patient information with external parties.

Question 16

Which of the following is not considered a type of professional boundary violation in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Using respectful and professional language towards clients.

Answer

Engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with clients.

Answer

Sharing personal information about the therapist with the client.

Answer

Accepting valuable gifts from clients.

Question 17

When faced with an ethical dilemma in clinical psychology, what is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Seek guidance from a supervisor, ethics committee, or relevant professional body.

Answer

Make a decision based solely on personal beliefs and values.

Answer

Follow the guidelines of the relevant professional body.

Answer

Ignore the dilemma and hope it resolves itself.

Question 18

What is the primary distinction between negligence and malpractice in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Malpractice constitutes a violation of the duty of care, whereas negligence does not.

Answer

Negligence implies intentional harm, whereas malpractice does not.

Answer

Negligence is a criminal offense, while malpractice is a civil wrong.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between negligence and malpractice.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle in clinical psychology as defined by the British Psychological Society (BPS)?

Accepted Answer

Retributive justice

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a professional boundary violation in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in romantic relationships with patients

Answer

Maintaining a therapeutic relationship

Answer

Establishing clear communication channels

Answer

Accepting small gifts from patients

Question 21

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal framework that offers robust and consistent data protection rights for individuals across the European Union.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 22

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of actively promoting the well-being of clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 23

The Data Protection Act 2018 is the primary legislation governing the collection, storage, and use of personal data in the United Kingdom.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 24

The principle of non-maleficence in psychology refers to the duty to:

Accepted Answer

Do no harm

Answer

Promote well-being

Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Answer

Respect autonomy

Question 25

Which ethical principle, considered fundamental for clinical psychologists, emphasizes maintaining the privacy and secrecy of client information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 26

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with ethical clinical psychologists?

Accepted Answer

Judgmental and biased attitudes

Answer

Integrity and honesty

Answer

Empathy and compassion

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Question 27

The ethical principle of beneficence obligates clinical psychologists to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize the well-being and best interests of clients

Answer

Avoid causing harm or distress

Answer

Respect clients' autonomy and decision-making

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and privacy

Question 28

Neglecting ethical and legal guidelines in clinical psychology can result in:

Accepted Answer

Compromised client well-being

Answer

Enhanced professional reputation

Answer

Improved clinical outcomes

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of evidence-based practice?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing client preferences over research findings

Answer

Prioritizing interventions backed by scientific evidence

Answer

Tailoring interventions to individual client needs

Answer

Establishing a collaborative partnership with clients

Question 30

A client discloses imminent risk of self-harm. As a clinical psychologist, your legal and ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize the client's safety and break confidentiality if necessary.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality at all costs.

Answer

Document the disclosure and seek legal advice.

Answer

Contact the client's emergency contacts.

Question 31

Which of the following legal protections allows mental health professionals to maintain confidentiality in their communications with clients?

Accepted Answer

Psychologist-client privilege

Answer

Statute of limitations

Answer

Miranda rights

Answer

Good Samaritan law

Question 32

The British Psychological Society (BPS) provides ethical guidelines for clinical psychologists. Which of the following is a core principle of the BPS Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy, dignity, and rights of clients

Answer

Prioritizing financial gain

Answer

Avoiding self-disclosure

Answer

Maintaining personal relationships with colleagues

Question 33

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies a dual relationship that would violate ethical guidelines for clinical psychologists?

Accepted Answer

Providing therapy to a close friend or family member.

Answer

Consulting with a colleague on a complex case

Answer

Supervising a student intern

Answer

Testifying in court about a former client

Question 34

Which principle of confidentiality is paramount in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Information disclosed by clients must only be shared with their explicit consent, unless required by law.

Answer

Confidentiality applies exclusively to information obtained directly from clients.

Answer

Confidentiality can be breached if the therapist believes it is in the client's best interests.

Question 35

Which action would be considered a violation of professional boundaries in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with clients.

Answer

Accepting small gifts from clients.

Answer

Consulting with colleagues regarding client information.

Question 36

The British Psychological Society's (BPS) Code of Ethics and Conduct provides guidance on:

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality, competence, and ethical decision-making.

Answer

Office decor and design.

Answer

Fees and billing practices.

Question 37

Which legal requirement must clinical psychologists in the UK fulfill?

Accepted Answer

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Answer

Possession of a PhD in clinical psychology.

Answer

Passing a national board examination.

Question 38

The four-step model for ethical decision-making in clinical psychology involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical issues, considering relevant ethical principles, weighing potential benefits and harms, and making a decision.

Answer

Consulting with a supervisor, obtaining client consent, documenting the decision, and reflecting on the outcome.

Question 39

Which is NOT a potential consequence of violating ethical or legal guidelines in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced professional reputation.

Answer

Damage to client trust.

Answer

Loss of license.

Answer

Legal sanctions.

Question 40

Cultural competence in clinical psychology encompasses:

Accepted Answer

Respecting and understanding the diverse values, beliefs, and practices of clients.

Answer

Avoiding any discussion of cultural issues in therapy.

Answer

Providing services exclusively to clients from one's own cultural background.

Question 41

The Mental Health Act (1983) authorizes medical professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Detain and treat individuals with severe mental health conditions without their consent under specific circumstances.

Answer

Make all decisions regarding a client's treatment plan.

Question 42

When working with children in clinical psychology, ethical considerations include:

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from both children and their parents/guardians.

Answer

Disclosing all information shared by children to their parents/guardians.

Answer

Treating children without parental knowledge or consent.

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 44

Which of the following is a potential consequence of violating confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Loss of trust in the client-therapist relationship.

Answer

Increased media attention.

Answer

Enhanced career prospects.

Question 45

When working with minors in clinical psychology, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain informed consent from both the minor and their legal guardian.

Answer

Acquire consent exclusively from the legal guardian.

Answer

Gain consent solely from the minor if deemed mature enough.

Question 46

A crucial factor to consider when establishing professional boundaries in clinical psychology is:

Accepted Answer

The client's vulnerability and potential for exploitation.

Answer

The therapist's personal preferences.

Answer

The therapist's desire for social validation.

Question 47

According to the British Psychological Society's (BPS) Code of Ethics, psychologists are obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of their clients.

Answer

Prioritize their own needs above their clients'.

Answer

Disregard confidentiality if they deem it necessary.

Question 48

In cases of professional negligence, a potential legal defense that may be used is:

Accepted Answer

The plaintiff's contributory negligence.

Answer

The defendant's limited financial resources.

Answer

The defendant's lack of malicious intent.

Question 49

Which of the following poses an ethical concern for clinical psychologists using social media?

Accepted Answer

Potential blurring of professional and personal boundaries.

Answer

Increased accessibility to clients.

Answer

Enhanced communication with colleagues.

Question 50

Clinical psychologists do NOT have a duty to their clients to:

Accepted Answer

Guarantee a cure or specific outcome.

Answer

respect their confidentiality.

Answer

Provide competent care.

Question 51

A recommended strategy for preventing ethical breaches in clinical practice is:

Accepted Answer

Regularly reviewing ethical guidelines and seeking consultation when needed.

Answer

Relying solely on personal judgment.

Answer

Avoiding documentation.