Violation of Telephone Directory Guidelines among Psychologists: Group Practice versus Individual Listings

Abstract

This study examined the frequency of violations of telephone directory guidelines under the heading of “Psychologists” in a metropolitan area Yellow Pages based upon the findings of an ethics committee of a local psychological association. In accordance with expectations derived from research involving the factors of anonymity, diffusion of responsibility and risky shift, the mean number of violations per listing was significantly greater for group practice listings relative to the listings of individual practitioners. Theoretical and applied implications of this finding were briefly noted.