Related Experiment Videos
Identifying and reducing risk factors related to trainee-client sexual misconduct
1Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, USA. jhamilto@gp.as.ua.edu
Professional Psychology, Research and Practice
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Therapist-in-training sexual misconduct is often linked to systemic issues, not just personal traits. Training environments and supervision practices significantly influence the risk of inappropriate client-therapist sexual activity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Therapist Training
- Professional Ethics
Background:
- Sexual misconduct between therapists-in-training and clients is a significant ethical concern.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and client safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify personal and situational risk factors for sexual misconduct involving therapists-in-training and their clients.
- To explore the influence of systemic, programmatic, and pedagogic factors in training environments.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature and clinical observations.
- Analysis focuses on personal characteristics versus environmental influences.
Main Results:
- While some personal factors may exist, systemic and training-related issues are identified as stronger predictors.
- Key environmental factors include declining focus on transference/countertransference, inadequate curriculum on sexual attraction, and supervisory avoidance of trainee sexual feelings.
Conclusions:
- Reducing the risk of client-therapist sexual misconduct requires addressing environmental and systemic factors in therapist training.
- Recommendations focus on enhancing supervision and integrating ethical education into graduate psychology programs.