Sexual harassment of male osteopaths in the workplace: evidence and effect

The aim of this research was to investigate the form, frequency, and effect of sexual harassment affecting male osteopaths; to explore education received in dealing with these incidents, and to compare the frequency and impact of any form of sexual harassment effecting male and female osteopaths. A questionnaire, based on the Female Osteopaths Questionnaire (Willy 2003), was distributed to 288 male osteopaths in Australia. The response rate was 107 (37%). Eighty percent (80%) of respondents reported having been sexually harassed in some way during their osteopathic career. The most common form of sexual harassment experienced by the respondents was discussion of personal/sex life (73%). Of those who reported sexual harassment, 80% experienced effects on their professional life and 51% experienced effects on their private life. Seventy nine percent (79%) of respondents felt that it is important to incorporate sexual harassment education into osteopathic training courses. Sexual harassment affects male osteopaths in practice as commonly as female osteopaths. The osteopathic profession, and other health-care professions, should begin to, or continue to, incorporate sexual harassment education for students and practitioners into their curricula. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

cmaster

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Victoria University

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Stone, Melissa

• 320000 Medical and Health Sciences
• School of Biomedical and Health Sciences

Language dc:language

en