Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2003. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 237-258). Also available on the Internet.

Two empirical studies are presented which investigated Sexpert, a rule-based expert system for the treatment of couple sexual dysfunctions. The following hypotheses were evaluated: (1) couples' attitudes towards computerized psychotherapy would improve subsequent to an interaction with Sexpert, (2) couples would find Sexpert more engaging than other sources of information, (3) couples interacting with Sexpert would report learning more about their relationship than those exposed to other sources of information, and (4) Sexpert could influence the sexual behavior of volunteer couples. The research hypotheses were tested in 2 studies (81 & 77 couples respectively) which compared the effects of Sexpert, a sex education book and video, and a therapist, with a no-information control (crossword puzzles). A rigorous statistical analysis of the reliability of couples' self-report of their sexual behavior was made. In study 1, positive attitude shifts towards Sexpert were replicated with semantic differential as well as dissimilarity scales. In study 2, positive attitude shifts were only demonstrated via a ranking methodology. Sexpert was reported to be the most engaging of the experimental manipulations tested in either study. Couples provided with information via Sexpert, video, book, or therapist retrospectively reported significant positive changes in communication, sexuality, feelings, and relationship satisfaction. The highest change ratings were given by participants in the therapist group, followed by the Sexpert, video and book groups. Participants also reported significant learning about many aspects of their relationship and sexuality; however, there were no significant differences between the Sexpert, video, and therapist conditions. The sexual behavior monitoring data did not corroborate retrospectively reported changes in behavior. These inconsistencies in behavioral reporting were attributed to couple reactivity to the monitoring of sexual behavior and to s

Diss. Karlstad : Karlstads universitet, 2007.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2003. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 237-258). Also available on the Internet.

Sexual problems or dysfunctions remain one of the prominent reasons .for marital and relationship problems, often resulting in divorce. Sexuality is however only one of many components of a marriage or of a committed relationship. Relationship problems and sexual problems are often interlinked. The fact that sexual problems are often only symptoms of deeper relationship issues, makes the social worker the ideal person to treat these sexual problems from a holistic perspective and within a relationship context. The nature of this research study evolves around the proposed lack of knowledge of social workers in private practice, and who specialise in couple therapy, regarding human sexuality and sex therapy. This research study is valuable for the social work profession as the knowledgebase of social work is extended. Social workers come into close contact with individuals seeking couple therapy. Social workers might often be required to assist individuals or couples with sexual problems, as relationship difficulties and sexual problems often co-exist. This study is further of value because the importance of the integration of sex therapy and couple therapy is shown. A qualitative research approach is used, and applied research is conducted. An exploratory research design is utilised and a self-constructed, mailed questionnaire is used as method of data collection. The following conclusions can be drawn and the following recommendations made: • The social worker is the ideal person to deal with sexual difficulties, as he or she is well trained in the dynamics of marriage and relationship therapy. • An integrative, holistic and post-modernistic approach to therapy for sexual difficulties has emerged. • There is a movement today toward the combination of sex therapy and couple/relationship therapy. • There are concerns that social workers in private practice specializing in couple therapy, may have a lack of knowledge regarding human sexuality and sex therapy. The respondents in this study answered only 58.53% of the knowledge based questions correctly. • There is a need for specialised education and training of social workers in the field of human sexuality and sex therapy. • Training in human sexuality and sex therapy should be included in the undergraduate, post-graduate and continuing education levels of social work¬training. • This research study supplies a basis for future research studies. The content of the study can aid in the development of a course in human sexuality and sex therapy aimed at social workers specifically. / Dissertation (MA (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

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No description available.

There have been various approaches to the treatment of nonorgasmic women, including psychoanalysis, desensitization, relaxation, masturbation, and group therapy. The present study was conducted to examine the efficacy of group therapy combined with home-based training in the treatment of primary nonorgasmic women. A no-treatment control group was also employed. Treatment consisted of two weekly 1- hour group sessions for 5 weeks. Educative processes were employed, such as detailed information on physiology of female sexual response. Structured homework exercises were also utilized, such as mastubatory techniques, role-playing orgasm, strengthening vaginal muscles, and assertiveness training in sexual and nonsexual situations. Results indicated an 88% success rate in the treatment group and no change in the control group.

Master of Science / Department of Family Studies and Human Services / Jared R. Anderson / Using data from a sample of 99 sex therapists in the United States who participated in an online survey, the use of sexually explicit material (SEM) in sex therapy is explored. Findings suggest that prevalence rates for the use of sexually explicit educational material and erotica in sex therapy were very high, 92.6% and 81.1% respectively; while the use of pornography was much lower at 29.5%. Younger therapists, and therapists with less experience, were more likely than older therapists and therapists with more experience to use SEM in sex therapy. Overall, sex therapists were generally comfortable with sexually explicit educational material and erotica but less comfortable with pornography. Younger therapists and/or female therapists were most comfortable with the use of pornography in sex therapy. The primary theoretical rationale reported by sex therapists for using SEM was education. Several therapists indicated that they would not recommend the use of SEM in sex therapy with clients who expressed opposition or discomfort, clients who exhibit compulsive sexual behaviors, and with clients who have a history of sexual trauma.

Counselors and other mental health professionals lack training on healthy sexuality and sexual identity development (SID). To begin to construct a comprehensive model of SID that can be used in counseling and counselor education, I conducted an exploratory study utilizing a grounded theory approach to collect and analyze SID stories from a purposive sample of eight adults from the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area: four male and four female; seven White Caucasian-American and one Asian American; and self-identified as two gay, one lesbian, three heterosexual, and two sexually fluid. Participants elucidated a process model of the sexual-self that incorporated biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors. Emergent themes included discovering, distinguishing, placing boundaries around, differentiating, and integrating the sexual-self. This preliminary model advanced a more holistic understanding of SID that counselors and other mental health professionals, educators, and researchers may find useful within their respective disciplines.