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ERIC Number: ED587550
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 153
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-4381-1115-8
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Let's Talk about Sex: Effects of a Training Workshop on Clinician Sexual Attitudes, Knowledge, and Engagement in Sexual Discussions with Clients
Houghton, Lindsey L.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Wisconsin - Madison
Sexuality is an important aspect of human existence and an area in which numerous people will experience difficulties (e.g., Laumann, Paik, & Rosen, 1999). Mental health clinicians are well positioned to assist clients with sexual concerns, however, they need to be prepared to have such sexual discussions. Unfortunately, clinicians report feeling underprepared and uncomfortable engaging in sexual discussions with clients (e.g., Miller & Byers, 2012). The purpose of the current study was to develop, administer, and assess the effectiveness of a training workshop using the biopsychosocial model of sexuality from a sex-positive lens, and aimed at equipping clinicians to conduct sexuality discussions. Methodology included examining workshop effectiveness using program evaluation theory (i.e., Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2005) and examining changes in participants' perceived sexual knowledge, global sexual attitudes, sexual discussion comfort, willingness to engage in sexual discussions and reported incidence of sexual discussions utilizing multiple regression modeling. Three workshops were provided to N = 85 participants, including professional mental health clinicians and graduate trainees. Workshop assessment occurred at pretest, posttest, and 6-week follow-up. Pretest to posttest changes in participants' perceived sexual knowledge and global sexual attitudes predicted changes in their willingness to engage in sexual discussions, as mediated by changes in sexual comfort. Most participants did not maintain gains in each variable at the follow-up; however, participants reported an increase in the number of sexual discussions engaged in 6 weeks later. Results of the study are discussed with an emphasis on willingness as a proximal predictor of behavior, the prospect that sexual attitudes are strong and durable, and the importance of clinical context in the initiation of sexual discussions. Clinical and training implications, directions for future research, and limitations are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A