By Hedy Khoo

THIS recent case made headlines because the woman was a 32-year-old teacher who admitted to having sex with her then 15-year-old male student.

Previous reported cases here have all involved male teachers.

Mr Daniel Koh, a psychologist, said that teachers and students may get their boundaries mixed up and end up together on an emotional level.

He said: 'The student may have a crush on the teacher. But if the teacher allows or encourages his attention, then it may become love or even lust.'

He explained that there are many reasons why female teachers engage in sexual relationships with male students. He cited spousal neglect, abuse or the need to seek love, care or companionship.

Said Mr Koh: 'By seeking out younger men, it may put them in the position of being in control and dealing with someone less demanding or experienced, thus improving their self-esteem.

'At times, having someone so young to love and admire her may give her the feeling of attraction and power she wants.'

Dr Lionel Lim, a consultant psychiatrist at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, said that the converse may also be true - the teenager is flattered that an adult would pay such attention to him or her.

Dr Lim explained that adolescents can be easily infatuated as it is a part of their growing-up.

Dr Lim said: 'They may admire a teacher of an opposite sex, or even any other adult they know. But such feelings of infatuation are usually temporary.'

He observed that teacher-student relationships may also be due to the young person's need for attention, security and companionship. But that will have consequences.

Said Dr Lim: 'If it doesn't turn out well, it can destroy the teenager's confidence and he may have problems trusting other people.'

Even at tertiary level, where the student is no longer a minor, it involves issues like ethics and professionalism as it is not legally wrong.

He explained that the law comes into play only when such relationships involve underage minors in order to protect them.

This article was first published in The New Paper.