Sexology as a Profession in Portugal: Sociographical Composition and Self-nomination of Portuguese Sexologists

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, the initial profession and training in sexology, sex therapy and psychotherapeutic techniques of Portuguese sexologists. Methods: As part of an European survey on sexology as a profession (Euro-Sexo), a questionnaire was mailed to all Portuguese sexologists. Results: Portuguese sexologist is in average 43 years old, is mainly female, a non-physician, and has training in sexology. Age, gender, profession, clinical practice and educational background in sexology, research practice in sexology and sexual education made a significant contribution to the prediction of self-nomination as a sexologist. Conclusions: An interesting diversity of sexology professions, from medical to non-medical fields was identified, and its influence on the practice of sexual medicine was discussed.     

Sexology as a Profession in Spain: Results of the “Euro-Sexo” Study on the Practice of Sexology in Spain

This article presents the major results of a survey on the profession in Spain. An international research program previously conducted in eight European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom) was adapted to Spain. The sample was made up of Spanish professionals who were members of professional organizations in sexology. The questionnaire used in the other European countries was translated and adapted into Spanish; its 89 questions inquired into: the sociodemographic profile of respondents, their initial academic and professional background, the specific training received in sexology or human sexuality, and their professional practices in sexology. In Spain, most sexologists are women from a nonmedical health profession. Most respondents received specific training in sexology and stated that it is not necessary to be a physician to be a sexologist. The findings bring to light many similarities with the data collected in the eight other European countries.