What ethical issue arises from a psychologist's claim that "Over 90% of my patients report satisfaction"?

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The ethical issue stemming from the psychologist's claim that "Over 90% of my patients report satisfaction" primarily revolves around the implication that there is a guarantee of results. When a psychologist makes such a statement, it can mislead potential clients into believing that their own experience will be similar or that they will achieve satisfactory outcomes as well. This assurance can create unrealistic expectations about therapy, which may not always lead to positive outcomes depending on a variety of factors including the individual’s circumstances and the nature of the therapeutic work.

Furthermore, ethical standards in psychology emphasize informed consent and transparency about treatment outcomes. By suggesting near-absolute satisfaction rates, the psychologist might be evading the responsibility to provide a more nuanced perspective on the variability of treatment results, potentially undermining clients' autonomy and decision-making.

The other choices do touch on relevant aspects but do not capture the core ethical concern as effectively. While the lack of qualified evidence and the specification of methods are important considerations, the principal issue here regards the misleading nature of presenting results as a guarantee rather than providing context around the variability of therapeutic experiences.

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