Ethical Implications of Historical Trends

Ethical Implications of Historical Trends

Societal attitudes toward human sexuality change over time, sometimes  gradually and sometimes more rapidly. For example, consider how  controversial some of the work of Alfred Kinsey was in the 1940s and  1950s, even though many of the topics he addressed would be considered  tame by today’s standards (indeed, some viewed his work as controversial  simply because he was talking about taboo subjects). As another  example, homosexuality was included as a mental disorder in the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) until 1973.  Today, many people would consider such an inclusion to be  discriminatory, biased, and oppressive.

In this week’s Discussion, you consider how historical trends  intersect with current understandings of competent, ethical practice in  sexuality counseling. To prepare for this assignment, choose one  historical perspective regarding sex and sexuality that has changed over  time. Think about how this perspective change impacts the role of  sexuality counselors, especially in regard to ethical considerations.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 an example of a change in  historical  perspective regarding sex and sexuality that impacts the role of   sexuality counselors. Explain how this impact might have ethical  implications  for the practice of sexuality counseling today. Be  specific and provide  references to the American Association of  Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and/or American  Counseling Association (ACA) codes of ethics, especially in reference  to issues surrounding boundaries and sexual contact with current or  former clients.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources