Changing staff attitudes to the sexuality of people with mental handicaps: an evaluative comparison of one and three day workshops

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on an evaluation of two workshops designed to change the attitudes and behaviour of staff towards the sexuality of people with mental handicaps. The workshops were of different duration, one day and three days respectively. They had some activities in common, but the three day workshop allowed a more extensive coverage of the issues.Evaluation of the workshops was generally positive, both in terms of staff feedback and attitude change, as measured using an attitude inventory. On completion of both workshops staff expressed attitudes that indicated they would be more willing than before to assist the people in their care in making informed sexual choices. The three day workshop was significantly more effective in changing attitudes than die one day workshop.The difficulties in making any conclusions beyond immediate attitude change are discussed, and suggestions for further research are made. However, it is suggested that this type of workshop can form an important part of basic training for staff and that such work should be developed and extended.