Instructions
For this assignment, imagine you are a tutor hired to help 8-year-old Carl Saunders with his schoolwork. Two years ago, one of Carl’s parents died in a car accident, and recently, his academic performance has declined. As a third grader, Carl finds school challenging, and you have been tutoring him at his home three times a week for the past three months. You feel that Carl’s need for tutoring has decreased, but his remaining parent, Logan Saunders, wants you to continue. Over time, you have developed a bond with Carl, and you and Logan have become friendly, with a mutual attraction becoming apparent.
This situation may or may not violate any ethical standards, but such attractions are not uncommon. For example, Johansson et al. (2016) suggest that intimacy, attraction, love, and even sexual relationships can occur in various social contexts. According to Gorman (2009), many states have restrictions on sexual relationships with former clients within 1, 2, or up to 5 years after treatment ends, and some extend these restrictions to other healthcare professionals. While psychologists and other professionals are bound by ethical standards and state laws, as a tutor, you are not required to adhere to the APA ethical standards.
As Carl’s tutor, analyze the appropriateness of pursuing a potential relationship with Logan. In your analysis, address the following:
Discuss what you believe is the appropriate course of action in your role as a tutor, considering that there are likely no state laws or ethical codes governing your behavior with Logan.
Consider whether you should end your tutoring relationship with Carl before beginning a relationship with Logan, and if so, how long you should wait. Alternatively, explain why you might decide not to pursue a relationship with Logan at all.
Assess whether a romantic relationship between you and Logan could cause harm, taking into account the perspectives of all three parties involved: you, Logan, and Carl.
Conclude with supportive research on the concept of multiple relationships in varying settings.
Reference: Support your analysis with at least three peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles. In addition to these, you may include other appropriate scholarly sources. Credible websites such as .org, .mil, .gov, and .edu are acceptable, however, cannot serve as primary sources to support this assignment.
Length: 5-7 pages, not including title and reference pages
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current AP