Students' Perception of Dual/Multiple Relationships in Academia: Implications for Professional Practice and Counselling

Abstract

Most professional associations frown upon dual relationships because they are likely to be problematic in many cases. However,very individual is in some form of relationship with others, which might be professional, business, social or romantic. Experts are of the view that dual relationships present a subject of conflicting views and are not always avoidable. This study investigated the perceptions of university students regarding various forms of dual relationships in academic settings. The design for the study was descriptive survey and data was obtained from 294 students from the University of Cape Coast using a set of questionnaire. The results, among others, indicate that most students perceived sexual dual relationship between a Lecturer and current student as inappropriate and must be avoided. However, sexual relationship with a former student was not seen as being that problematic. Other forms of non-sexual dual relationships were also explored and the results and their practical and counselling implications were discussed.