Psychological predictors of sexual satisfaction among married heterosexual older adults using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction

• Main Author: Hinrichs, Kate L. Martin
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2009
• Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Gerontology; Social psychology
• ISBN: 110967676X; 9781109676761

Sexual satisfaction is an area that has rarely been studied among older adults. However, as people live longer, and have the options of various methods to aid with sexual functioning, it has become increasingly valued to maintain a satisfying sex life at the end of the lifespan. Variables that have been found to predict sexual satisfaction in research with younger adult populations include: age, gender, marital/relationship satisfaction, sense of perceived control, and subjective well-being. Thus, these same psychological predictors of sexual satisfaction (relationship satisfaction, subjective well-being and sense of control) were explored in an older adult population. The current study is based on previous findings with younger adults, and utilizes the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) theory. The present study further utilized secondary analyses of the Midlife in the Unites States (MIDUS) 2 database, with a focus on heterosexual married adults aged 65 to 84. The three psychological variables were used together to create a potential prediction model and were analyzed using multiple regression techniques and post hoc correlations. Results using this three-factor model indicated that relationship satisfaction significantly contributed to the way that sexual rewards and costs compared to one's expected level of sexual rewards and costs, the perceived equality of sexual rewards and costs between partners, and the quality of the nonsexual aspects of the relationship (IEMSS components two, three, and four). Within this context, subjective well-being did not appear to add predictive value to the current model. However, sense of perceived control significantly contributes the way that sexual rewards and costs compare to one's expected level of sexual rewards and costs and the perceived equality of sexual rewards and costs between partners (IEMSS components two and three). Of additional note, when correlational analyses were examined, and issues of multicollinearity were circumvented, all three psychological factors (relationship satisfaction, subjective well-being and sense of control) were statistically significantly related to IEMSS components two, three, and four (the way that sexual rewards and costs compared to one's expected level of sexual rewards and costs, the perceived equality of sexual rewards and costs between partners, and the quality of the nonsexual aspects of the relationship). It appears at this time that the construct of sexual satisfaction is far more complex than once thought. In this study among married, heterosexual older adults, typical levels of sexual satisfaction varied based on which aspect of sexual satisfaction was being examined. There were also many factors that went into predicting levels of sexual satisfaction. It is also now known that relationship satisfaction, subjective well-being and sense of control are related to sexual satisfaction in myriad ways. This knowledge can be used to shape treatments for sexual problems and finding ways to maintain high levels of sexual satisfaction across the lifespan. It is essential to work toward including sexual health and maintenance as a regular part of care for our older adults.