Which of the following should psychologists avoid in their public statements?

Creating unjustified expectations is a critical concern for psychologists when making public statements. Psychologists are held to ethical standards that emphasize the importance of providing accurate, evidence-based information to the public. By avoiding the creation of unjustified expectations, psychologists ensure that they do not mislead individuals regarding the outcomes of psychological services or the effectiveness of treatments. This is particularly vital in maintaining the trust and integrity of the profession.

When psychologists communicate with the public, they have a responsibility to present information that is realistic and grounded in scientific evidence. If they were to create unrealistic expectations, it could lead to disappointment, misunderstanding, and misuse of psychological practices. This pursuit of ethical communication aims to protect clients and the broader community from the potential harm that can arise from misinformation or exaggerated claims about psychological services.

In contrast, setting realistic expectations and using factual comparisons align with ethical practices, as they emphasize the importance of transparency and client education. Promoting services to the public, when done ethically, can also serve to inform individuals about available psychological assistance. However, creating unjustified expectations fundamentally undermines the integrity of the therapeutic relationship and the broader psychological community.