Exploring Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Older Adult Sexuality
Date of Graduation
Fall 11-2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department
Psychology
Program
Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
Abstract
The current study surveyed clinical psychology doctoral students’ (N=291) knowledge and attitudes about older adult sexuality. Knowledge and attitudes were measured using the Facts of Aging Quiz, the Aging Sexuality Knowledge and Attitudes Scale, Attitudes Towards Sexuality Scale, and measures to explore students’ exposure to and interests in the older adult population, as well as academic and clinical exposure (coursework, practicum opportunities and clinical contacts with older adults) to the older adult population and older adult sexuality. Generally, students’ knowledge about aging was associated with their attitudes about older adult sexuality; the more knowledge a student has about older adult sexuality, the more positive attitudes they have about older adult sexuality. However, the current study demonstrated that clinical psychology doctoral students’ lack of exposure to the older adult population did not impact their knowledge or attitudes about older adult sexuality. This study suggests that the relationship between students’ knowledge and attitudes about older adult sexuality may be more complex due to different types of exposure. Students’ knowledge and attitudes about older adult sexuality may be shaped by personal experiences with older adult relatives and being a caretaker of an older adult. Future research is needed to further investigate different types of exposure and how those impact students’ knowledge and attitudes about older adult sexuality.
Recommended Citation
Horta, L. (2019). Exploring Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Older Adult Sexuality. Retrieved from https://repository.usfca.edu/diss/504
