Psychiatry Course Discussion Groups and Human Sexuality

Abstract

Previous literature on discussion groups in medical courses on human sexuality suggests that group leaders should encourage an honest, open and non-judgmental atmosphere for participants to feel free to examine their own sexual values and beliefs. Empirical documentation of these relationships, however, is sparse. Data were collected from 155 students who participated in 18 different, independently run discussion groups as part of their 2nd year human behavior course. A questionnaire, completed two weeks after the end of the lectures and discussions on human sexuality, assessed students’ perceptions of their own, their peers’ and their leaders’ behavior. The groups differed significantly on many of the measures. Male students consistently expressed more comfort with the discussions than did female students. Role playing was significantly related to several aspects of group process. The various findings are discussed in light of present and needed knowledge in this area.