The Relationship of Practice Beliefs and Practice Behaviors among Social Workers with Lesbian and Gay Clients

Abstract

This study explores the levels of beliefs about practice and practice behaviors with lesbian and gay clients among social work practitioners in a medical setting. The Gay Affirmative Practice scale was utilized to measure the levels of gay affirmative practice beliefs and practice behaviors among the sample surveyed. The relationship of practice beliefs and practice behaviors is explored and reveals that practice beliefs are significant to practice behaviors with lesbian and gay individuals. The results identify variables that contribute to practice beliefs and practice behaviors.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work practice
• lesbians
• gay men

Notes

*p < .05

**p < .01.