Psychologists\u27 sexual attraction to their clients as a function of reported behaviors and personal and professional characteristics

Although sexual attraction to clients is a common experience among psychologists and may greatly affect the therapeutic process, there have been few studies of this issue. The presently reported study posed these questions: What characterizes psychologists who report having felt sexually attracted to clients versus those who do not report sexual attraction to clients? What were the characteristics of sexual attraction to clients reported by psychologists? How do psychologists who report having been sexually attracted to clients believe their attraction influenced their behavior? A questionnaire developed for this study was mailed to 500 fellows, members, and associate members selected randomly from Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological Association. Of those who received the survey, 35% responded. Significantly more male participants than female reported having experienced sexual attraction to a client. The attraction described by the participants was most frequently noticed during the first session, lasted for one session or less, and was mild in intensity. Factor analysis of 40 items from the survey yielded three factors--Approach, Avoidance, and Enmeshment--that accounted for 43% of the total variance. These factors showed few relationships with selected characteristics of the participants and their clients. However, those who had experienced attraction for longer than one session reported more enmeshment, and those who reported more intense attraction also reported more Approach, Avoidance, and Enmeshment. Most psychologists experience sexual attraction to their clients during their careers, but for most it is an only rare or occasional occurrence. Furthermore, it tends to be mild, short-lived, and of little consequence. The greater influence of sexual attraction on the participants\u27 behavior, however, may be experienced by those who feel more intensely attracted and attracted for more than one session