Individual and relational contributors to optimal sexual experiences in older men and women

Abstract

Research on sexual development has tended to focus on those events and experiences (e.g., poor sex education, sexual violence, chronic illness, and disability) that lead to sexual dysfunctions rather than on those that might facilitate optimal sexual experiences. The sexual development of older individuals and couples has been pathologized and marginalized, with the assumption that sexual deterioration will be the inevitable accompaniment to ageing. As part of a larger study on the contributors to optimal sexual experiences, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 men and women, aged 60–82, who had been in relationships for 25–52 years and who reported having experienced “great sex.” A phenomenologically oriented content analysis was conducted using interview transcripts to identify the factors that had contributed to optimal sexual experiences. The individual and relational contributors across the lifespan that led to optimal sexual experiences for older people are described (e.g., overcoming early learning, openness to experience, mutual empathy, structure and depth of the relationship). The ramifications of these findings for sex and relationship therapy are considered.

Keywords:

• optimal sexuality
• ageing
• sexual development
• eroticism
• relationship development
• empathy
• sexual intimacy

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by doctoral fellowship [grant number 752-2007-1803] to A. Dana Ménard from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Notes on contributors

A. Dana Ménard

We are the members of the inter-disciplinary Optimal Sexual Experience Research Team of the University of Ottawa, Director, Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD. A. Dana Ménard, PhD, recently completed her doctorate in clinical psychology and is working in private practice and at the First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program in London, Ontario, Canada.

Peggy J. Kleinplatz

Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD, is a professor, Faculty of Medicine, and a clinical professor, School of Psychology, as well as the director of Sex and Couples Therapy Training, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.

Lianne Rosen

Lianne Rosen, MSc, is a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Shannon Lawless

Shannon Lawless, MSc, is a couple and family therapist with specialization in sexuality. She has private practice in Ottawa, Canada.

Nicholas Paradis

Nicholas Paradis, MEd, CCC, is a professional counsellor and with the Student Academic Success Service and counsels students living in residence at the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.

Meghan Campbell

Meghan Campbell, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist with an independent practice in Ottawa, Canada.

Jonathan D. Huber

Jonathan D. Huber, MD, MSc, FRCSC, is an obstetrician/gynaecologist with specialization in female sexuality, practising at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, Canada.