Inappropriate client sexual behaviour in occupational therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence and nature of inappropriate client sexual behaviour (ICSB) in occupational therapy practice in New South Wales, Australia. The effects of ICSB on therapists, and the perception of it as sexual harassment, as well as responses to ICSB were also explored. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random stratified sample of occupational therapists. Results indicate that ICSB, although often not perceived as sexual harassment, does occur in occupational therapy practice. About half of the therapists exposed to ICSB reported negative consequences, primarily negative effects on work performance and psychological stress. Commonly, therapists responded to an incident of ICSB by discussing it with the client, although many chose to ignore it. Most respondents attribute the behaviour to pathological disease-oriented factors. This area of occupational therapy practice requires further research, particularly in terms of factors that influence the prevalence and perception of the behaviour. © Whurr Publishers Ltd.