Sexual self-schemas across midlife: examining differences using computerized text analysis. | CU Experts

Given the biopsychosocial shifts that often accompany aging, it is reasonable to expect changes in one's view of themself as a sexual being (i.e., sexual schemas), which then has important implications for sexual and overall well-being. Participants (N = 206) wrote essays describing their sexual schemas, and responses were analyzed using computerized text analysis to identify seven central themes. Next, we conducted analyses to examine group differences in theme prominence by age group (ages 30-45, referred to as the early-midlife group, and the late-midlife group, 51-78), as well as the impact of sexual function on theme prominence. Late-midlife, compared to early-midlife women, had a higher prominence of relationship progressions and past abuse themes. Late-midlife women had a lower prominence of sexual pleasure and changes to their sense of self in their writings, though accounting for sexual function reduced these differences. The impact of one's sexual debut and the importance of emotional connection to one's schema did not differ between groups. Sexual function was associated with some (i.e., emotional connection, relationship progressions, sexual pleasure) but not all themes in both groups. In summary, sexual schemas appear to evolve across time, and these shifts may shape or be shaped by sexual function.

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