The knowledge of social workers in private practice regarding human sexuality and sex therapy

Abstract

Sexual problems or dysfunctions remain one of the prominent reasons for marital and relationship problems. Sexuality is, however, only one of many components of a marriage or of a committed relationship. Relationship problems and sexual problems are often interlinked. The fact that sexual problems are often only symptoms of deeper relationship issues makes the social worker the ideal person to treat these sexual problems from a holistic perspective and within a relationship context. The nature of this research study thus evolved from the presumed lack of knowledge of social workers in private practice, and who specialise in couples therapy, regarding human sexuality and sex therapy. A qualitative research approach is used and applied research was conducted. An exploratory research design is utilised and a self-constructed, mailed questionnaire was used as method of data collection. This research study found that the respondents answered only 58.53% of the knowledge-based questions correctly, thereby confirming their suspected lack of knowledge regarding human sexuality and sex therapy. The research results indicated a need for specialised education and training of social workers in the field of human sexuality and sex therapy.