Question

Jane is a new therapist who works with couples and families. Her decision was motivated by her sister Melinda's experience of spousal abuse. When Jane meets with her supervisor to review cases, he points out that Jane takes sides with her female clients when they cry or describe intense conflicts with their husbands. She believes her supervisor is blind to the signs of abuse. According to Kitchener's theory, on what assumption is Jane operating?

a. Determination of abuse is difficult to ascertain and must be tested in each situation.
b. Determination of abuse should only be reached after consultation with expert supervisors.
c. Determination of abuse can be made if one has some personal experience.
d. Determination of abuse should be based on the context.

Answer 1

Jane, influenced by her sister's experience, is likely making ethical decisions based on personal experience and context, which might conflict with Kitchener's principled thinking that calls for objectivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jane is a new therapist who works with couples and families, inspired to take this path due to her sister Melinda's experience with spousal abuse. When her supervisor points out that she sides with her female clients, this indicates that Jane's judgment may be influenced by personal bias stemming from Melinda's experiences. According to Kitchener's theory, the assumption that Jane is likely operating on is that determination of abuse can be based on context and personal experience. However, Kitchener's principled thinking suggests that ethical decisions should not solely rely on subjective factors or personal experiences, indicating that Jane's approach may be flawed from an ethical decision-making perspective.