A school psychologist is supervising the work experience of a practicum student. As a part of supervisory responsibilities, the school psychologist will also be conducting an end-of-semester evaluation of the student's knowledge and skills. As the semester progresses, the school psychologist and student realize they are developing an attraction to each other. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Principles for Professional Ethics indicate that

• A. a school psychologist may not engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with students and supervisees
• B. a school psychologist may not supervise practicum students
• C. a school psychologist may not provide supervision for paid work experience
• D. a school psychologist must disclose any such relationship

Answer: (A)

Professional boundaries in supervision are essential because power dynamics can influence a student’s welfare and the objectivity of evaluation. NASP Ethics prohibits romantic or sexual relationships between a school psychologist and students or supervisees to prevent exploitation and protect the supervisee’s well-being and the integrity of the process.

If a psychologist and practicum student develop an attraction, the ethically appropriate course is to avoid any romantic or sexual involvement and to uphold professional boundaries, potentially by reassigning the supervisee or bringing in another supervisor to maintain objectivity and safety.

Disclosing the relationship or allowing supervision to continue under these circumstances does not resolve the ethical conflict, and the options that suggest broad restrictions on supervision or paid experiences are not accurate representations of NASP guidance. The emphasis is on preventing the relationship altogether to preserve fairness and professional integrity.