dual relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dual relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as psychology, counseling, or professional ethics to describe a situation where an individual has multiple roles or relationships with another person. Example: "In therapy, it is important to avoid a dual relationship with clients to maintain professional boundaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This dual relationship has several unfortunate consequences.

The New York Times

Results indicate a dual relationship of the two parameters.

Physiology & Behavior

This is somewhat surprising in view of the dual relationship between control and estimation.

International Journal of Approximate Reasoning

But the Texas Board of Examiners and Psychologists in 1988 did reprimand him for hiring a patient under his care, calling it an "inappropriate dual relationship".

The New York Times - Arts

We showed him the film and afterwards he clambered onto the platform and said that the future of Zimbabwe was in this film, that the whole concept of a dual relationship between black and white was an absolute prerequisite.

The Guardian - Film

Nixon and Kissinger dramatically altered U.S. foreign relations, modifying containment, reducing the importance of alliances, and making the balance of power and the dual relationship with the Soviet Union and China keystones of national policy.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Disclosure of consultants' dual relationships with companies whose pay they recommend should not be objectionable, he added.

The New York Times

Then the dual relationships between link flow and travel time constrains on link with nearsighted users are also analyzed.

Journal of Transportation Systems Engineering and Information Technology

At last, through combining these dual relationships and adding generalized side constraints, new traffic assignment model is built.

Journal of Transportation Systems Engineering and Information Technology

At first, the dual relationships between the conservation conditions of node's flow and the shortest travel time from origin to the node are considered.

Journal of Transportation Systems Engineering and Information Technology

His Columbia University Press books include Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships in the Human Services (2012), Risk Management in Social Work (2014), and On the Parole Board: Reflections on Crime, Punishment, Redemption, and Justice (2016).

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional ethics, especially in fields like psychology or social work, use "dual relationship" to specifically denote situations where multiple roles exist between individuals, which can lead to ethical dilemmas. Understanding and clearly articulating these boundaries is key for maintaining professional integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "dual relationship" loosely to describe any friendship where you also share another connection with someone, such as being coworkers. The term typically refers to professional relationships where secondary interactions could compromise objectivity or ethical standards. A friendship with a colleague, while a relationship, doesn't automatically constitute a 'dual relationship' in the professional sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dual relationship" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, the term often appears in discussions related to ethics and professional boundaries, specifying scenarios involving multiple roles between individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dual relationship" is widely used and understood, particularly in professional and academic contexts, to describe situations where someone has multiple relationships with another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in discussions of ethics and boundaries. When writing about professional conduct, especially in fields like therapy, social work, or education, using "dual relationship" can precisely identify potential conflicts of interest. To ensure clarity, consider alternatives like "multiple relationship" or "conflicting relationship" if the specific nuances of the situation warrant it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple relationship

Replaces "dual" with "multiple", emphasizing the presence of more than one relationship.

dual role

Focuses on the roles an individual holds, rather than the relationship itself.

conflicting relationship

Highlights potential conflicts arising from the relationship.

complex relationship

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the relationship.

twofold connection

Replaces relationship with connection and dual with twofold, emphasizing the nature of the link.

overlapping relationship

Highlights the shared aspects of the relationship.

intertwined relationship

Focuses on the inseparability of the relationship's aspects.

double-faceted relationship

Emphasizes the two distinct aspects or sides of the relationship.

ambivalent relationship

Highlights the presence of mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.

mixed relationship

Focuses on the presence of a combination of different elements in a relationship.

FAQs

What does "dual relationship" mean in a professional setting?

In a professional context, especially in fields like therapy or social work, a "dual relationship" refers to situations where a professional has more than one relationship with a client. This can create conflicts of interest and compromise professional objectivity and boundaries.

What are some examples of a "dual relationship"?

Examples of a "dual relationship" include a therapist also being a client's friend, family member, business partner, or teacher. These situations can blur professional lines and potentially harm the client.

Why are "dual relationships" generally discouraged in therapy?

"Dual relationships" are discouraged because they can exploit the power imbalance inherent in the therapeutic relationship, compromise the therapist's objectivity, and harm the client's well-being. Maintaining clear boundaries is essential for ethical and effective therapy.

Are there alternative phrases for "dual relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "multiple relationship" or "conflicting relationship" to describe situations where multiple roles or interests intersect. The term "dual role" can also be used.