Abstract
This study explored therapists' professional ethics by assessing therapist “at-risk” behaviors as they relate to ethical proficiency in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. A survey assessing practice behaviors was distributed among marriage and family therapists (MFTs) of varying levels of experience. Data gathered were analyzed using factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and multiple regression. Results indicate a positive relationship between the latent variables of risk and justification, as well as a significant relationship between these variables and years of clinical experience. Findings provide evidence to support the practitioner–ethics relationship model proposed by the authors. Implications of these findings, as well as future directions for research and policy are suggested.
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McLaurin, S.L., Ricci, R.J. & McWey, L.M. A Developmental Perspective of Marriage and Family Therapist's Ethical Principles: Support for the Practitioner–Ethics Relationship Model. Contemporary Family Therapy 26, 293–306 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:COFT.0000037916.88984.b1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:COFT.0000037916.88984.b1