Boundary Violations: Character& Contexts
Date
2019
Authors
Dickeson, Edward
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Thesis
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Abstract
Likely the most well-known of its kind, Gabbard’s (1994) taxonomy of sexual transgressing
therapeutic practitioners includes; the impulsive and exploitative Predatory Practitioner; the
older, disillusioned Lovesick Practitioner; and the vulnerable, self-sacrificing Masochistic-
Surrendering Practitioner. These categories were formulated through clinical observation, and
the extent to which they reflect the actual occurrence of sexual boundary violations is
unclear. This narrative review sought empirical studies which have reported findings relevant
to Gabbard’s taxonomy. In addition, each category was considered from an original
perspective, drawing from a broader range of philosophic and psychodynamic commentaries.
Quantitative evidence was found to be generally consistent with Gabbard’s descriptions,
although despite its widespread reference, no instance was found where an empirical study
had used the taxonomy as a framework for hypothesis testing. This review concludes on the
observed gulf between the qualitative and quantitative contributions to the topic of boundary
violations and argues for new research attempting to unify them.
School/Discipline
School of Psychology
Dissertation Note
Thesis (M.Psych(Clinical)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2019
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