Sexual attractions and boundary crossings among sport psychology graduate students and professionals

Abstract

ABSTRACT The training relationship between sport psychology professionals (SPPs) and their students is a critical aspect of graduate training. Maintaining ethical, appropriate boundaries within training relationships is imperative, as boundary crossings can have deleterious effects on students. SPPs (N = 152) and Sport Psychology graduate students (N = 165) completed The Survey of Applied Sport Psychologists to explore their experiences and perceptions of sexual attractions and boundary crossings within training relationships. Nearly 30% of SPPs acknowledged sexual attractions toward their students, yet few students (8.5%) perceived such attractions. Compared to the SPPs, the students reported higher levels of anxiety regarding the SPP’s attraction toward them; both groups reported infrequent use of supervision for this attraction. Nine students and 13 SPPs reported engaging in sexual behaviors (e.g., kissing, dating, intercourse) with the other. Within the larger sample, the three most common nonsexual boundary crossings were becoming social friends, attending social gatherings, and the SPP initiating nonsexual touching. Both groups are advised to engage in ongoing monitor their behaviors, receive training specific to ethics within training relationships, and seek consultation/supervision to ensure appropriate boundaries remain intact.