Research as therapy, therapy as research: Ethical dilemmas in new-paradigm research

Ethical dilemmas are raised by changes in research paradigms which encourage the development of a relationship between researcher and participant. In such contexts it becomes increasingly difficult to tell the difference between a therapeutic relationship and a research interview. The rapid development of research within the therapeutic world of counselling and clinical psychology poses further ethical issues relating to the use of clients as participants in research studies. It is concluded that there must be an increased awareness of these issues and a need to accept responsibility for relationships with both participants and clients.