Factors Contributing to College Counselors' Probability to Take a Client's Sexual History

Many young adults are experiencing human sexuality related issues and disorders. Researchers have found ample evidence linking hindered human sexuality discussions with clients by mental health professionals to low and reduced comfort, lack of willingness, and non-positive attitudes about sex. There is limited research that shows there is a connection between sex-based discussions in the field of mental health and the lack of clinicians' education and training in the field of human sexuality. One of the most essential ways to identify, treat, and promote sexual health is a thorough sexual history taking by clinicians. Mental health professionals agree that taking a sexual history and knowing how to take a sexual history is important in the mental health field. With that, more than half of all counselors do not believe they take and have been trained to take a sexual history during an intake or initial counseling sessions. This study found human sexuality and education can increase college counseling professionals 'probability to take a sexual history from their clients. Comfort and willingness regarding human sexuality and sex related topics also increased college counseling professionals 'probability to take a sexual history from their clients. Attitudes regarding human sexuality and sex related topics was not found to be a predictor. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]