Cain, Aaron Examining the Extent to Which Subjective Age Impacts Sexual Well-Being Among Partnered Older Adults. 2024. Radford University, Dissertation. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
 |
PDF
Download (683kB) |
Abstract
The term “Ageism” has negative effects on older adults’ well-being, especially if older adults engage in self-stereotyping (Allen et al., 2022; Levy, 1996; Levy, 2009; Vauclair et al., 2016). Internalization of negative aging stereotypes increases the likelihood older adults will experience ageism and the associated negative effects, such as decreased sexual well-being (Allen et al., 2015; Hogben et al., 2014; Levy, 2009). Subjective age, or the older or younger one feels regardless of their chronological age, also affects their well-being and whether or not they engage in self-stereotyping (Bodner et al., 2021; Hajek & König, 2020). Older adults who internalize negative age stereotypes regarding sexuality in late life are therefore more likely to lose interest in sex or believe they should not engage in sex (Binstock, 1983; DeLamater & Friedrich, 2002). Additionally, research indicates older adults do engage in sexual activity but are more concerned with the statisfaction of their sexual encounters rather than the frequency (Graf & Patrick, 2014; Thompson et al., 2011). The present study used archival data collected in 2019 assessing for health and sexual functioning. Data from partnered older adults aged 60-77 years were used. Results show a strong positive relationship between Subjective Age and Self-Assessed Health, which was found to be significantly correlated. Additionally, a weak negative relationship was found to be significant between Subjective Age and Education. There was a weak negative relationship between Subjective Age and Sexual Frequency which was significantly correlated. Subjective Age was not significantly correlated with Sexual Satisfaction. Subjective Age contributed an additional 3.9% of the variability in sexual frequency, which approached significance. Subjective age contributed an additional 1.4% of the variability in sexual satisfaction, which was not significant.
| Item Type: | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology |
| Divisions: | Radford University > College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences > Department of Psychology |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Dec 2025 04:47 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Dec 2025 04:47 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/1272 |
Administrative Actions
 |
View Item |
