Therapists' Approaches in Working with Heterosexual Couples Struggling with Male Partners' Online Sexual Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical approaches therapists adopt in working with couples in which the husbands' pornography use is an aspect of the presenting problem; and to determine variables that may be associated with clinical approaches. Ninety-nine clinical members of the AAMFT described the therapeutic approach they would adopt in response to a clinical vignette. Results show that clients are regularly disclosing pornography use in therapy, and AAMFT clinicians have received little to no training to prepare them to assist clients in dealing with problems related to pornography use. Findings also indicate that therapists' personal attitudes about pornography influence their treatment approach. Given the likelihood that AAMFT clinicians will see clients experiencing problems associated with habitual on-line pornography use, it is important that continuing education opportunities related to this topic are available and utilized.

Notes

∗ p < .05

∗∗ p < .01.

∗∗ p < .01