The importance of sexuality in social work practice in Malta and the preparedness of social workers to work with clients’ sexuality issues

Abstract

The subject of sexuality within social work has focused on specialised settings such as HIV/AIDS prevention, youth services, and older people's services. At present, social work's response has not been active within the area of human sexuality, mimicking society's deep-rooted norms of social control (McCave et al., 2014). The social work profession should be at the forefront of challenging the Maltese society's patterns of ignoring or shaming issues connected to sexuality. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of sexuality in social work and how often these issues occur. Moreover, the researcher will evaluate whether social workers in Malta feel that sufficient education and training to engage in conversations about sex and sexuality in different fields is provided. A mixed methods research strategy was chosen as the design for this study. Data was initially gathered anonymously through a web-based survey tool. Following the survey, the researcher held a focus group as the chosen qualitative tool, in which the participants discussed and elaborated on the findings of the survey and additional experiential data was collected. The main themes which rendered from the results included, Stigma/Taboo, Addressing clients’ sexuality issues, Comfort, and Social Work and Sexuality, the latter of which discusses the social worker’s role and awareness, social work education, and sex-positivity. Finally, the study provides the implications to social work and several recommendations for services and academic opportunities. The research fulfils its aim by answering the research questions proposed at the beginning of the study.