Interaction with a 'sex-expert' system enhances attitudes towards computerized sex therapy

The present experiment investigated whether a new rule-based expert system, Sexpert, designed to assess and treat sexual dysfunction would be positively evaluated by näive users. In a between groups design, four groups of eight students were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups or one of two control groups. Ss in the experimental groups interacted with one of two versions of Sexpert. Ss in one control group filled out a questionnaire concerning their sexual functioning while Ss in the other interacted with a non-sex related computer program. Perceived dissimilarity to other established treatments for sexual dysfunction and semantic differential attitudes measures taken both before and after the experimental manipulations showed a significant positive shift in favor of computerized sex therapy for those Ss who interacted with either version of Sexpert but not for Ss in either of the control conditions.