Meanings of Sexuality among Heterosexual Women: A Metasynthesis

ABSTRACT

This metasynthesis presents the empirical evidence for heterosexual women's interpretation of sexuality using the Sandelowski-Barroso framework. Most women framed sexuality as the integration of patriarchal culture, gendered identity and religious understanding and placed intercourse at the centre of the sexual act. Some women acknowledged it from the negative point of view which may increase the risk for sexual difficulties. However, women who accepted male dominant partners and focused on self-gratification, found that this would lead to positive well-being; while those who internalized female centricity emphasized equality in achieving a quality sex life. Clinical implications of these findings are also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Heterosexual women
• qualitative research
• sexuality

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to La Trobe Library staff for their assistance in searching for the related journals and to Lee Koh and Brigid McCoppin for their help in proofreading this article.