Deck 15: Abnormal Psychology: Legal and Ethical Issues

Question 1

Outpatient commitment also may be used as a preventive measure for people considered to be at high risk for:

A) drug use.
B) schizophrenia.
C) psychological deterioration.
D) suicide.

Answer 1

psychological deterioration.

Question 2

In some instances, outpatient commitment is a condition for:

A) access to safe pharmacological treatment.
B) being released from jail.
C) access to affordable housing.
D) being discharged from hospital.

Answer 2

being discharged from hospital.

Question 3

In addition to consideration of an appropriate after-discharge treatment plan, successful deinstitutionalization requires

A) a resocialization plan developed by the patient's social worker.
B) considerable family therapy to educate members on their responsibilities as part of the team.
C) evaluation of a patient's skills and resources for independent living.
D) home healthcare delivery of medications by a visiting nurse practitioner.

Answer 3

evaluation of a patient's skills and resources for independent living.

Question 4

The lower limit of estimates on the rate of homeless persons who have psychological disorders is approximately

A) less than 3%.
B) 10%.
C) 32%.
D) 50%.

Question 5

A basic flaw in the deinstitutionalization movement was

A) insurance companies' reluctance to pay for outpatient treatment.
B) a lack of follow-up care for released persons.
C) the government's resistance to allowing schizophrenic patients to be deinstitutionalized.
D) families' resistance to caring for mentally ill relatives.

Question 6

If you are a psychologist, you assume ethical responsibilities for

A) providing clinical treatment or conducting research.
B) charging fees that are affordable for everyone.
C) promoting yourself as a media psychologist.
D) the conduct of any one to whom you make referrals.

Question 7

People who are judged to be guilty but mentally ill, not guilty by reason of insanity, or incompetent to stand trial

A) may be subject to civil commitment.
B) are likely to serve some jail time.
C) may be subject to criminal commitment.
D) are not legally considered to have committed a crime.

Question 8

Why is outpatient commitment considered less coercive than inpatient hospitalization?

A) Patients are not required to follow rigid rules of conduct as found in hospitals.
B) The patient may select the professional to deliver treatment.
C) The person is not forced to take medication.
D) The person remains in the community with social support.

Question 9

When psychologists join a professional organization such as the Canadian Psychological Association, they agree to behave in a manner consistent with the association's code of ethics.

A) values.
B) beliefs.
C) code of ethics.
D) philosophy.

Question 10

Psychologists are aware of their responsibilities to patients, colleagues, and society. In the text this is referred to as __________.

A) justice
B) fidelity
C) integrity
D) code of ethics

Question 11

Of all psychological disorders, people with _____________ are at highest risk for homelessness because they stop taking their medication.

A) schizophrenia
B) depression
C) substance abuse
D) mania

Question 12

Over the past 50 years:

A) the number of mentally ill persons in institutions has declined, as has the number of mentally ill persons in jails or prisons.
B) the number of mentally ill persons in institutions has increased, as has the number of mentally ill persons in jails or prisons.
C) the number of mentally ill persons in institutions has increased, but the number of mentally ill persons in jails or prisons has decreased.
D) the number of mentally ill persons in institutions has decreased, but the number of mentally ill persons in jails or prisons has increased.

Question 13

From 1962 to 1977, the population of Canadian provincial psychiatric hospitals fell by ___%, despite the fact that the number of mentally ill people continued to rise as the Canadian population grew.

A) 25%.
B) 56%.
C) 78%.
D) 99%.

Question 14

Shirley is an elderly woman who believed that her husband of 40 years was trying to kill her. One evening, she took a fireplace poker and chased him around the house accusing him of trying to poison her with the dinner he prepared. She was finally restrained when the police arrived. After being evaluated at a local emergency room, she was transferred to an inpatient psychiatric facility against her will. The latter would be known as a(n)

A) psychiatric commitment.
B) civil commitment.
C) involuntary outpatient commitment.
D) voluntary emergency petition.

Question 15

According to your authors, deinstitutionalization should be

A) regarded as the last option for those with a long history of mental illness.
B) implemented only with the permission of the family.
C) used only in ideal circumstances and on a trial basis.
D) considered a process rather than a discrete event.

Question 16

Until the 1960's, hospital confinement was the typical treatment for severely mentally ill patients because

A) overwhelming numbers of mentally ill persons were not able to obtain treatment in community mental health programs.
B) psychological treatment was best delivered in a medical setting.
C) effective medications and treatments had not yet been discovered.
D) few psychiatrists were willing to provide treatment outside of medical settings.

Question 17

During the early twentieth century, civil commitment usually meant inpatient hospitalization, and sometimes it still does. However, with the deinstitutionalization movement, there has been a shift to ___________.

A) outpatient commitment.
B) hospitalization on an as needed basis.
C) criminal commitment.
D) psychosocial support.

Question 18

Universally, ________ and ________ increase the likelihood of homelessness among the mentally ill.

A) financial status; educational level
B) poor social support; substance use
C) substance use; marital status
D) educational level; low social support

Question 19

The case of Candace Newmaker, who died during a "rebirthing therapy" session, illustrates

A) tragedy brought on by untrained, unlicensed therapists.
B) the importance of conducting this form of therapy in a hospital setting.
C) the need for comprehensive malpractice insurance coverage.
D) the need for a physician to conduct this form of treatment.

Question 20

The deinstitutionalization movement ultimately failed because

A) local governments remained in favor of institutionalization.
B) families of mentally ill persons believed that hospitalization was the best treatment method.
C) appropriate funding was never allocated for outpatient facilities and staff.
D) insurance companies refused to pay for outpatient treatment.

Question 21

Mr. Benwabe is an attorney who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been hospitalized several times when he stopped taking his medication. He complains that the medications make him feel like a "zombie" and affect his ability to complete legal briefs. When he is medication free, however, he is paranoid and often violent. During these periods, police and paramedic intervention is needed to get him safely to the hospital. Given this history, what is most likely to occur in the future?

A) The police will refuse to respond to the 911 call about him, noting the location as "hazardous."
B) He will be medicated against his will if he is a danger to staff or patients.
C) His directive will be respected and no medication will be given.
D) Mr. Benwabe will be found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Question 22

With the proclamation of the 1992 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, there has been increasing recognition across the provinces and territories of the right for competent, even involuntarily committed patients to:

A) refuse counsel.
B) represent themselves in court.
C) refuse treatment.
D) none of the above.

Question 23

Which of the following outcomes is required by law if the defendant is found not criminally responsible and is not a significant threat to the public?

A) Absolute discharge.
B) Conditional discharge
C) Detention in hospital.
D) None of the above

Question 24

"Unfit to stand trial" refers to a person's

A) ability to remain in touch with reality throughout the trial.
B) ability to assist in his or her own defense.
C) willingness to assist in his or her own defense.
D) willing acceptance of legal help.

Question 25

Which of the following outcomes is required by law if the defendant is found not criminally responsible but is still a danger to society?

A) Absolute discharge.
B) Conditional discharge
C) None of the above.
D) Detention in hospital

Question 26

If you were a psychologist, which of the following acts would be an ethical violation?

A) You release information to your client's lawyer who is preparing a personal injury lawsuit alleging "mental pain and suffering."
B) You reveal information gained in a therapy session to parents of an 8-year-old.
C) Your communicate information to your client's husband without written permission to do so.
D) A civil commitment is being prepared for your client and you are requested to provide background on the case for the proceedings.

Question 27

Mental health practitioners in Canada generally do not have:

A) beneficience.
B) privacy.
C) privilege.
D) confidentiality.

Question 28

Unlike privacy, which is the right of an individual to give away, confidentiality

A) exists only in legal circles.
B) is an ethical ideal and often impractical.
C) is held between two parties.
D) is never broken by a therapist.

Question 29

________ is a legal term meaning that a lawyer or a psychologist working for a lawyer is prevented from disclosing confidential information during legal proceedings.

A) Confidentiality
B) Beneficence
C) Privilege
D) Mens Rea

Question 30

All mental health professionals are ethically bound to report a client to the authorities if:

A) They are a danger to themselves.
B) They are a danger to others.
C) Mental Health Professionals are never bound to report a client.
D) Both A and B above.

Question 31

Select the statement below that is False in the application of psychology and its principles.

A) The rights of the individual always supersede those of society.
B) Appropriate third parties must be informed if a patient threatens another with bodily harm.
C) People always have the right to refuse to participate in psychological research.
D) Confidentiality must be violated in certain circumstances.

Question 32

As a result of the 1991 case R. v. Swain, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, (NGRI) was replaced with:

A) no changes were made as a result of this case.
B) not guilty due to a violation of civil liberties.
C) not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder.
D) not criminally responsible on account of a mental defect.

Question 33

When a person is judged "not guilty by reason of insanity," we may infer that

A) the person had criminal intent at the time of the crime but is remorseful at the time of trial.
B) the person has a long history of untreated mental illness that interfered with rational thought at the time the crime was committed.
C) the trial judge cannot show that mental illness was not a factor in the crime.
D) the person has a psychological disorder that interferes with understanding the seriousness and illegality of the crime.

Question 34

Dr. Colleen Gerson, a psychologist, is a specialist in child psychotherapy. She is asked to see a 7-year-old who is having difficulty both at home and at school. After two sessions, Dr. Gerson shares information regarding her diagnostic impressions and treatment plan with the school and the child's parents. After the parents agree to proceed with treatment, information is released to the family's insurance company. In this case, Dr. Gerson

A) was ethically and legally required to provide information to the child's school.
B) was legally required to provide information to the insurance company but not to the parents.
C) violated the rights of the child and unethically breached confidentiality.
D) was not ethically correct in reveal this information to the parents.

Question 35

Which of the following outcomes is required by law if the defendant is found not criminally responsible but is still struggling with a mental disorder?

A) Absolute discharge.
B) Conditional discharge
C) Detention in hospital.
D) None of the above

Question 36

Among the changes to the M'Naghten Rule, in 1929 the District of Columbia added

A) the provision for a "public defender" for persons with psychiatric disorders.
B) an exclusionary rule for medical illnesses with psychiatric symptoms.
C) an "irresistible impulse" test demonstrating a lack of volition.
D) a mandatory sanity hearing within 72 hours of an involuntary commitment.

Question 37

The original M'Naghten Rule, established in England in 1843, stated that persons were not guilty of a crime if they did not know what they were doing, or

A) did not know they were insane.
B) did not know that the actions were wrong.
C) did not defend themselves during the trial.
D) were not capable of giving full details of the crime.

Question 38

In 2016, provincial/territorial mental health legislation generally does not allow for institutionalization and compulsory treatment of people who refuse treatment, unless:

A) a person poses a threat to him- or herself or to the general public.
B) a person adheres to a rigid drug protocol.
C) a person is in a supportive relationship.
D) none of the above.

Question 39

Which of the following distinguishes committing an illegal act from committing a crime?

A) GBMI
B) Insanity
C) NGRI
D) Mens Rea

Question 40

The term "insanity" is

A) a legal term.
B) a psychological term.
C) universal in meaning.
D) a transitional diagnosis.

Question 41

Currently, psychologists have prescription privileges in

A) no provinces.
B) two provinces.
C) many provinces.
D) all provinces.

Question 42

The most common malpractice charge against psychologists occurs

A) when the therapist has a substance abuse problem.
B) as a result of marital counseling.
C) because of inappropriate relations with former clients.
D) during child custody conflicts.

Question 43

Select the statement that has historically been True of psychologists' ability to accurately predict violence in a given patient.

A) It has never been possible to accurately predict violence.
B) Psychological experts in this area have an accuracy rate of approximately 75%.
C) Psychiatrists, not psychologists, are asked to make this evaluation.
D) It was little better than chance.

Question 44

Dr. Peigro is a noted neuropsychologist who has been studying Alzheimer's disease in men for over 20 years. At a recent speaking engagement, he chastised the profession for not focusing more research on women who have Alzheimer's and called for increased efforts in this area. He even mentioned that the ____________ requires it.

A) Belmont Report
B) Declaration of Helsinki
C) Nuremberg Code
D) Institutional Review Board

Question 45

The Tarasoff case of 1969 established the ethical mandate of duty to

A) inform.
B) predict danger.
C) maintain confidentiality.
D) warn.

Question 46

Trinitas is enrolled in an introductory psychology class. Her instructor told the class that everyone had to participate in his memory research project in order to earn a passing grade for the course. The study focused on memory, participation required 15 minutes, all results were confidential, and students would earn "research credit" for participating. Given this scenario, select the statement below that is most appropriate.

A) As long as the results are confidential, this is a good way for students to learn about the process of research.
B) Research participation in a study may be required as part of passing a course.
C) Students have the right to refuse to participate in this study.
D) As long as the research methodology does not include treatment, the participation requirement is ethical.

Question 47

When unethical behaviour's have occurred, a psychologist may be sued for:

A) malpractice.
B) engaging in a dual relationship
C) taking sides in a custody battle
D) none of the above

Question 48

The Nuremberg Code (1947) and the Declaration of Helsinki (1967) set forth guidelines affirming that

A) the validity of a study's findings should always be primary in the minds of researchers.
B) human subjects participating in all experiments have rights that must be respected.
C) prisoners alone do not have the right to decline to participate in studies that hold promise for the greater society.
D) all experimenters must have rigorous training in research methodology to ensure that the goals of science are progressed.

Question 49

Malpractice is defined as

A) improper diagnosis of a patient.
B) use of a form of therapy that is out of the mainstream.
C) professional misconduct or unreasonable lack of skill.
D) reckless abuse of patients.

Question 50

The recent use of actuarial prediction measures has made psychologists better able to predict potential violence in a patient. Specifically, the use of which of the following constructs has contributed to prediction of violent behaviour?

A) Past behaviour
B) Delusional beliefs
C) Psychiatric syndromes
D) Psychological symptoms

Question 51

Among psychologists who conducted custody evaluations, ___% were sued for malpractice.

A) 10%.
B) 20%.
C) 25%.
D) 35%.

Question 52

In 1947, the _____established fundamental directives for research with human participants.

A) Nuremberg Code
B) Belmont Report
C) Declaration of helsinki
D) Tuskegee Protocol

Question 53

Dr. Parvik has been treating a college student for the last two years. After a recent session, believing he had relevant information about his client's learning disability, Dr. Parvik contacted the college office that specializes in helping students with this form of learning challenge. He felt comfortable providing information about his client because the client had signed a consent form allowing him to do so. In your opinion, which of the following is True?

A) Dr. Parvik demonstrated good judgment in working in his client's best interests.
B) Dr. Parvik violated the client's right to confidentiality.
C) Dr. Parvik invoked the PAA clause in the HIPAA regulations.
D) Ethics would not apply in this case as it does not involve a mental illness.

Question 54

One study investigating malpractice issues among psychologists found that

A) most were cleared of charges in the long run.
B) there were more frequent complaints against psychologists than psychiatrists.
C) about 3.5% of psychologists engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a patient.
D) few psychologists were properly informed about ethical issues.

Question 55

Gregor, a night watchman, was encouraged by his wife to enter treatment for his depression. During the initial session, he revealed great anger and resentment toward his boss, who blocked a raise for him. He perceived this as causing great financial hardship for his family and vowed to "snuff" the boss. Gregor's psychologist took this threat seriously and was obligated to

A) document it in his files in case Gregor acted and actually harmed his boss.
B) report the threat to Gregor's boss and law enforcement officials.
C) maintain confidentiality despite the potential risk to the boss.
D) have Gregor sign a statement promising that he would not act on his threat.

Question 56

Among psychologists who conducted custody evaluations, ethics complaints were filed against ___%.

A) 10%.
B) 20%.
C) 25%.
D) 35%.

Question 57

In psychological research, respect for persons means that

A) all persons should have equal access to any treatment tested in an experiment.
B) participants should be able to choose their experimental condition (active vs. placebo).
C) researchers should maximize benefits and minimize harm to subjects.
D) people's autonomy should be respected, and those with limited autonomy should be protected.

Question 58

Professionals who hold licenses to practice therapy have credentials that

A) require a standardized training curriculum.
B) may differ by kind depending on their province of residence.
C) require a doctorate.
D) certify their familiarity with research and clinical trials.

Question 59

In 1979, the _____presented three basic principles for guiding biomedical and behavioural research with human participants, namely respect, beneficence, and justice.

A) Declaration of Helsinki
B) Nuremberg Code
C) Belmont Report
D) Tuskegee Protocol

Question 60

The practice of psychology is bound by federal and provincial regulations as well as by

A) client demands.
B) an ethical code of behaviour.
C) medical regulations.
D) research and clinical trials.

Question 61

The function of an Institutional Review Board is to

A) reject research protocols that are not likely to receive funding.
B) make sure there is a random sample of participants.
C) review and approve research protocols.
D) certify that the financial costs of the study are reasonable for the institution.

Question 62

Civil commitment is a provincially-ordered procedure that forces involuntary treatment on a person with a psychological disorder who has committed a crime.

Question 63

Participants must understand the aims, methods, risks and benefits of research. This is called

A) informed consent.
B) participant privilege.
C) debriefing.
D) confidentiality.

Question 64

The deinstitutionalization movement has successfully reintegrated most people with psychological disorders into the community.

Question 65

Codes of ethics are created by a branch of government.

Question 66

The principle of justice as outlined by the Belmont Report means that

A) the benefits and burdens of research must be imposed equally.
B) every participant in a research study has the right to legal redress.
C) not all people who might benefit from the research need to be included in a study.
D) prisoners must not be used for research.

Question 67

Privilege is established by federal law and only extends to therapists who are licensed to practice therapy within a particular province.

Question 68

People lose the right to privacy when they reveal their thoughts, beliefs, or fantasies to others.

Question 69

Conducting research using children as participants requires special considerations. In addition to parental or guardian consent, research with children also

A) requires psychologists to limit the amount of time required for participation.
B) means that a child psychologist must serve as a study consultant.
C) requires the assent of the child, if possible.
D) involves a special review by an IRB educational specialist.

Question 70

Committing an illegal act is not the same as committing a crime.

Question 71

With regard to patient care, the Canada is currently in the institutionalization phase.

Question 72

Insanity is a legal term, not a psychological disorder.

Question 73

Which of the following questions has been disallowed on adolescent research protocols in certain school districts because of a concern over suggestibility, thus denying the principle of justice?

A) Do your parents support your educational efforts?
B) Have you ever thought about suicide?
C) Do you think abortion should be legal?
D) Have you ever been charged with a crime?

Question 74

Both the Tuskegee Experiment and the Baltimore Lead Paint Study violated the principle of justice by

A) only using prisoners from local penitentiaries.
B) requiring participants to complete mandatory participation.
C) asking persons to recruit others to participate in the study.
D) putting groups with limited or diminished autonomy at risk.

Question 75

Absolute discharge is required by law if the person is not a significant threat to the public.

Question 76

Members of racial and ethnic minority groups are often somewhat reluctant to participate in research studies because

A) they are highly sensitive to privacy issues.
B) they are distrustful of scientists in general.
C) they do not have an appreciation for the value of research.
D) researchers mistreated members of these groups in the past.

Question 77

One limitation to informed consent in psychological research is

A) researchers' reluctance to reveal confidential information to participants.
B) participants' lack of understanding of the procedures used in a study.
C) institutional review boards' misunderstanding of the purposes of research.
D) cumbersome and complicated paperwork that takes too much time to complete.

Question 78

Conditional discharge refers to a person not criminally responsible for a crime being discharged into the community on the proviso that the person receives appropriate treatment for his or her mental disorder.

Question 79

Under certain circumstances, the government can involuntarily force a person to undergo psychiatric treatment.

Question 80

Select the statement below that is False regarding the use of placebos in psychological research.

A) Both adults and children have the same responses to placebo interventions.
B) The use of placebos with children generates special concerns.
C) Children may not understand the concept of a placebo.
D) Children's reports may be biased based on their belief that they took a pill that should have an effect.