MSTH 155 Assignment #1: Dual Relationships

This group assignment is worth 10% of your final mark, and is to be submitted via Turnitin.com by 11:40
am on May 17th (Class ID: 12671719; Password: Ethics). Please read the article Dual Relationships: A
Continuum Ranging from Destructive to Therapeutic, and answer the questions below. Although the
article discusses dual relationships in counseling, the information is applicable and transferable to any
health care professional. As you read through the article, please answer the following questions. For
questions that ask for an original example, please make sure that your example relates to the practice
of massage therapy.
Note: Since this is a group assignment, only one member of the group will submit the assignment to
Turnitin.com. In order to be awarded a grade for this assignment, each individual group member must
hand-in a confidential report summarizing group process, communication and/or issues that may have
arisen during this assignment. This report will be a minimum of 1 paragraph. This is a mandatory
component of the assignment and must be handed in within the first 15 minutes of class (by 11:55am) on
May 17th. Although the assignment will be awarded a grade, each group members individual mark may
be affected by reports provided.

1. In your own words, please define what a dual relationship is and provide an original example.
2. How are dual relationships formed? Please provide original examples.
3. Please describe when it would be considered acceptable to engage in a dual relationship and
provide an original example.

4. Please define autonomy and provide an original example of how a dual relationship can either
reduce or augment patient autonomy.

5. The article discusses the controversial topic of sexual relationships with patients post-discharge.
According to the CMTO, Massage Therapists should not enter into in a sexual relationship with a
former client for a period of one year following the date of the last professional contact with the
client. (College of Massage Therapists, 1991)

a. Please explain why the author thinks it is never appropriate to pursue intimate relationships
with former patients.
b. Do you think the CMTO should revise their position on post-termination relationships?
Defend your opinion.

6. The author points out that in some instances, avoiding a dual relationship can have a negative
impact on the therapeutic relationship. Please provide an original example.

Your submission should be typed and questions should be answered in paragraph format and in your
own words. Remember that you need to acknowledge your source through in-text citations (APA
format).
This assignment is worth 10% of your overall mark and will be marked on the following criteria:
Answers: Excellent submissions will demonstrate a clear and thorough understanding of dual
relationships. Answers will reflect the article and examples provided will relate to massage therapy.
Cannot
mark

Poor

Average
2

Excellent
5

Writing Style: Your assignment should be written in a professional tone. The assignment should be easy
to follow and use full sentences as well as Canadian spelling and grammar.
Cannot
Poor
Average
Excellent
mark
0

APA Formatting of References: Excellent submissions will follow APA formatting requirements exactly
with no errors.
Cannot
Poor
Average
Excellent
mark
0

Total:

/21

Weight:

/10%