SEXUAL CONTACT DURING AND AFTER PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS - PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES OF FEMALE COUNSELORS

A national sample of female counselors (N = 377) was surveyed regardin g sexual contact in professional relationships. Few respondents report ed engaging in sexual contact either during or following professional relationships with clients, supervisees, or students. Individuals with doctoral degrees were more likely to have engaged in sexual contact w ith their own counselors, supervisors, or teachers. Counselors viewed sexual contact in current professional relationships as less ethical t han contact in subsequent relationships, although relationships with f ormer clients were seen as less ethical than relationships with former supervisees or students. Compared with male counselors from a previou s study, female counselors were less likely to report sexual contact i n their professional roles. Implications for research and training are discussed.