When is it permissible for psychologists to provide opinions on a person's psychological traits without a direct examination?

Providing opinions on a person's psychological traits without a direct examination is primarily permissible during records review, consultation, or supervision. In these contexts, psychologists may evaluate existing information about a client's psychological functioning to assist in formulating opinions or treatment plans without conducting a direct assessment.

For instance, when psychologists review past evaluations or treatment records, they can synthesize details about a person's history, treatment responses, and progress to inform their understanding and recommendations. Consulting with colleagues or supervisors also falls under this permissible scope, as these interactions often involve examining client information to provide better insights or guidance.

This practice is essential because it underscores the importance of using available data and expert collaboration while adhering to ethical standards in psychology without compromising the integrity of assessment processes. In contrast, the other options suggest situations where without established protocols or justifications, providing opinions could lead to ethical issues or misinterpretations of the individual's psychological state.