Abstract
M.A.
1. Motivation for the study
Training programmes in sexuality education are limited within the social work
curriculum of universities, although it seems to be important for the prevention of
unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS and also the emotional
trauma that goes with early sexual behaviour.
The past four years social work students at universities received additional courses in
sexuality education. The aim thereof was to equip students with knowledge, attitudes
and skills to conduct group counselling with adolescents.
2. Aim of the study
The aim of the study is to develop a training programme in sexuality education for
social work students through development research.
3. The integrated developmental research model
In order to achieve the aim of the study, an integrated development research model
was conceptualised. The model mainly consists of Nel and Nel's (1993) model in
which four phases feature namely, the analysis, design, development and evaluation
phases. Existing knowledge of sexuality education was utilised for the development of
this training programme.
In the analysis phase it was found that there is no existing training programme for
social workers in sexuality education and that there is a need for the development of
such a programme. There are however programmes for other disciplines such as
nurses, medical doctors and psychologists, but the aim of these programmes is on
therapy and not prevention.
During the design phase the aims and objectives were formulated for the programme,
a practice model was drawn up, a tentative presentation was made of the innovation
suggestions and innovation procedures was determined.
During the development phase the development plan had been formulated, planned
pilot uses and developmental testing took place. The implementation of the pilot
application and developmental testing resulted in a number of modifications of the
programme.
The results of the evaluation phase showed that the training programme succeeded to
improve the social work students' knowledge and attitudes of sexuality education. This
programme could be used within the curriculum of social work students.
4. Main finding
It was found that a training programme in sexuality education could be created which
met the initial research aim. Findings of the research showed that this programme
made a positive contribution to the knowledge, attitude and skills of the social work
students who attended the course.