Sexology in Norway in 2001 and 2011: A comparative and cross-sectional study

SummaryIn a comparative cross-sectional study Norwegian sexology practitioners have been studied in 2001 and in 2011 concerning professional background, sexology training, therapeutic approaches and clinical sexology problems. The Norwegian sexology professional group is small and the Norwegian Association of Clinical Sexology counted around 150 members in 2011. In 2001, a two-year half time further education program in sexology counselling started at the university of Agder. Since 2001, 164 sexology counsellors have been educated from this program. The objective of the study was to understand how these changes might have influenced the field of sexology in Norway. The participants in the 2011 study are significantly different from those who responded in 2001. More female sexology practitioners have entered the field. There are more respondents with a social and health bachelor degree, and fewer physicians and psychologists among the respondents. The participants use a wider range of therapeutic approaches, but not significantly more sexology treatment methods. The problems the participants see are in many ways similar in 2001 and 2011, but they report overall more problems from their female clients and more relational problems and problems with sexual desire from their male clients in 2011. Based on the importance of interdisciplinary work, described by the biopsychosocial model, the authors recommend recruitment of different professional groups, and the importance of maintaining the interests of psychologists and physicians and other experienced professionals in the field of sexology in Norway.