Which of the following statements about dual relationships is true according to the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. Dual relationships are encouraged as they help strengthen the therapeutic alliance.
• B. Dual relationships can create conflicts of interest and may interfere with the therapeutic process.
• C. Dual relationships are considered ethical as long as both parties agree.
• D. Dual relationships have no impact on transference or countertransference dynamics.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of dual relationships in psychology, which occur when a therapist has multiple roles with a client, such as being both a therapist and a friend or business associate.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the psychodynamic perspective emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, particularly transference and countertransference, where unconscious feelings are projected between client and therapist.
3. Step 3: Analyze how dual relationships might affect these dynamics, noting that they can create conflicts of interest and interfere with the objectivity and boundaries necessary for effective therapy.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each statement in the problem by comparing it to the psychodynamic view: dual relationships are generally discouraged because they can disrupt the therapeutic process and the exploration of unconscious material.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement 'Dual relationships can create conflicts of interest and may interfere with the therapeutic process' aligns with the psychodynamic perspective, while the other statements do not accurately reflect this viewpoint.