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Ethics Committee member Neil Massoth, PhD, noted that while there's no specific ethical standard that addresses client gifts, there is some guidance in the code. For example, Principle A says psychologists strive to benefit their clients and do no harm--would accepting or refusing the gift cause harm? Would accepting the gift create a harmful or exploitative relationship, as in Standards 3.06 and 3.08? Other factors include whether it's personal in nature, a one-time occurrence or a pattern, for a special occasion or no apparent reason, and expensive or reasonable in cost.
For example, he recounted at first feeling uncomfortable accepting a large chocolate and peanut butter Christmas candy from a client. However, he changed his mind when she told him that she made 60 to 70 every holiday, and humorously added that he "shouldn't feel too terribly important."
When weighing their decision, psychologists should also consider cultural factors, he added--pointing to Principle E on respecting the dignity of others. Depending on a person's background, he said, psychologists may do more harm than good if they refuse a reasonable gift. That said, he also noted that many psychologists have a flat no-acceptance policy.
