Social dual-role relationships during internship: A decision-making model

During the predoctoral internship year, training staff and interns are often faced with the prospect of entering into social multiple-role relationships with each other. Such relationships can initially appear benign, and at times be beneficial but may pose some risk of harm both to interns and training staff. Building on the previous work of P. A. O' Connor Slimp and B. K. Burian (1994), a decision-making model is offered regarding social multiple-role relationships between interns and their trainers. It is designed to raise awareness of the issues involved in these relationships and provide structure in assessing their potential for harm.