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Abstract
Two studies are described, each of which addressed public perceptions about confidentiality. Study 1 asked people to indicate their beliefs as to whether discussions with a range of professionals would be and should be treated in absolute confidence. Results suggested that across all professions people favoured a greater degree of confidentiality than they believed actually existed. In a similar vein the second study asked participants to indicate what they believed a clinical psychologistwould and should do in two clinical situations - one involving child sexual abuse and the other murder. In contrast to study 1 respondents faced with the sexual abuse dilemma indicated that psychologists should be more inclined to breach confidentiality than they believed would be the case. These results are discussed in light of the literature and some tentative suggestions regarding clinical practice are made.