A needs assessment for a relationship-guidance programme for partners in a gay male relationship

Abstract

The lack of indigenous research-based literature on relationship-guidance programmes for partners in a gay male relationship necessitates a needs assessment in this regard. A research project adopting a qualitative paradigm was undertaken to conduct an empirical study with samples of gay male couples in an attempt to do a needs assessment for such a programme by focussing, interalia, on whether such a programme could benefit their relationship, and what it should include, who should present it, and in what format it should be presented. The study's principal results indicated that such a programme is needed and that· it would aid gay partners with regard to a variety of issues raised by them. The findings provide a tentative guideline for a relationshipguidance programme greatly needed by gay men and service professionals alike.