Perceptions of elderly sexuality among students in graduate mental health programs.

Abstract

Increased gerontological content is needed in curricula preparing students to be mental health professionals. Elderly individuals are one of the fastest growing segments of our population. These individuals have ever-present needs that mental health professionals must be prepared to confront while providing the best services possible. Unfortunately, one of the areas most often neglected is elderly sexuality. This study utilized the Aging Sexuality Knowledge and Attitude Scale to assess the perceptions of graduate students in mental health programs (clinical psychology, rehabilitation education, counseling education, and art therapy). Although no significant difference between graduate programs was found, the current sample means for knowledge and attitude were significantly less than groups found in the research literature, indicating greater knowledge and more sensitive attitudes from sample participants. Knowledge and attitude significantly positively correlated. The implications of these results were discussed.