Sexual Issues within Occupational Therapy, Part 2: Implications for Education and Practice

Abstract

Part 2 of this article considers the implications of a study which asked if a client's sexual expression was a legitimate domain of concern of the occupational therapist. The majority of practitioners interviewed believed that it was compatible with the values of the profession and should be part of practice, but views differed about the scope and limits of the role. In reality, only half the respondents included sexual expression of the client within their practice, either routinely or occasionally. The results demonstrated disparity between ideology and practice. There was evidence of powerful emotive forces, encompassing cultural, contextual and personal issues, which explained why sexual activity was not regarded like other activities of daily living. The majority of participants did not feel adequately prepared to address this aspect of human function. Further research is required but the study has implications for both professional education and practice.