Teaching sexology in Italy

Abstract

Sexology, as a distinct science, which studies sexuality in its various biological, psychological, cultural and social aspects, is a complex meeting point for many disciplines, approaches and professionals of different fields. This multidisciplinary approach draws its basic assumptions from a psychosomatic/somatopsychic perspective towards sexuality itself. The specialised training of the operators who deal with these issues is fundamental to the understanding and resolution of the sexual disease. The teaching of sexology in Italy has historically been the prerogative of private institutions, which for over thirty years, have entrusted their training courses to psychologists and medical doctors working under various titles in the field of sexology. It is only during the last years that Italian universities have offered courses in sexology and master's degrees in clinical sexology in departments of medicine and psychology. The recent founding of the Italian Federation of Scientific Sexology, bringing together the most important Italian organisations, has led to the definition of a set of educational criteria for the qualification of Expert in Sex Education, Sexual Counsellor and Clinical Sexologist, identifying the basic topics and specific experiences essential to each, although any official recognition of these as professional roles has yet to be discussed in parliament. Here again the Italian Federation is working on a proposal for a law that would give professional recognition to the position of Expert in Sex Education and Sexual Counsellor.