Sexual harassment and sexual intimacy in learning environments

Canadian Psychology, Feb 1996 by Pyke, Sandra W

Further, Section 1.4 of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (Canadian Psychological Association, 1992) states,

In adhering to the Principle of Respect for the Dignity of Persons, psychologists would: Abstain from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. (p. 90)

And, in Section III.30,

In adhering to the Principle of integrity in Relationships, psychologists would: Not exploit any relationship established as a psychologist to further personal, political, or business interest at the expense of the best interest of their clients, research participants, students, employers, or others. This includes, but is not limited to: soliciting clients of one's employing agency for private practice; taking advantage of trust or dependency to engage in sexual activities or to frighten clients into receiving services; appropriating student's ideas, research or work; using the resources of one's employing institution for purposes not agreed to; securing or accepting significant financial or material benefit for activities which are already awarded by salary or other compensation; and, prejudicing others against a colleague for reasons of personal gain. (p. 103)

In Section III.32, psychologists are enjoined to:

Avoid dual relationships (e.g., (sic) with students, employees, or clients) and other situations which might present a conflict of interest or which might reduce their ability to be objective and unbiased in their determinations of what might be in the best interest of others. (p. 103)

In its most recent effort to ameliorate the effects and/or reduce the frequency of sexually harassing behaviours and inappropriate sexual intimacy, the following preamble and set of recommendations were approved and adopted by the CPA Board of Directors on July 3, 1994, on behalf of the Association.

The Canadian Psychological Association recognizes and commends the many educational and training institutions and departments that have developed and implemented a range of policies and procedures addressing sexual harassment and intimacy. However, the Canadian Psychological Association also recognizes that, despite these policies and procedures, problems with sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual intimacy continue. Therefore, the Canadian Psychological Association recommends:

1. The continuance and/or initiation of policies and procedures designed to address and reduce sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual intimacy in learning environments. These may include, but are not limited to, the development of:

1.1 Specific guidelines for working in a variety of supervisory roles, with students (e.g., advisor, instructor, teaching/laboratory assistant, research employer). These guidelines would outline the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries in professional relationships with students and the responsibility of the supervisor for ensuring that the boundaries are maintained;

1.2 Orientation programs for graduate students and teaching assistants which include a consideration of issues related to sexual harassment and sexual intimacy;