Boundary crossings and violations in clinical settings

Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jan;34(1):21-4. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.96151.

Abstract

Principles of beneficence, autonomy, and nonmaleficence, compassion along with fiduciary partnership are the core concepts in the doctor-patient relationship in therapeutic settings. There are varieties of reasons for boundary problems. Physicians ignorance, exploitative character, emotional vulnerability moral weakness and similar factors may pave the way for boundary issues resulting in nonsexual or sexual boundary crossings and violations.

Keywords: Boundary crossings; boundary issues; boundary violations.