Wellings, K., Gibson, L., Lewis, R. , Datta, J., Macdowall, W. and Mitchell, K. (2023) "We’re just tired": influences on sexual activity among male-partnered women in midlife; a mixed method study. Journal of Sex Research, (doi: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2165613) (PMID:36757684) (Early Online Publication)
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Abstract
Studies into decline in sexual activity among women in midlife produce equivocal findings, some implicating hormonal and physiological changes, others psycho-social and environmental factors. Women’s perspectives rarely inform interpretation of the data. Associations between sexual satisfaction, activity and function, and health and lifestyle factors were explored using data from 2133 female participants in the third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (2010–2012). Semi-structured interviews (2012–2015) with 23 women aged 45–59 reporting sexual dissatisfaction in Natsal-3 explored their perceptions of the influences on their sexual activity. Analysis of the survey data showed sexual dissatisfaction to be less common than low frequency and function. Neither menopausal stage nor age was independently associated with any of the dimensions of sexual experience. Only relationship unhappiness was independently associated with all three and communicational difficulty with two (dissatisfaction and lower function). In-depth interviews identified influences on sexual activity not captured in the survey. Tiredness attributed to contemporary challenges of midlife was a dominant theme. Relationship quality mediated its adverse impact. Sexual experience in midlife must be interpreted in light of both life-stage and era, notably, the increasing demands on women in contemporary society and their impact on vitality. Efforts to address sexual wellbeing should take account of the wider social context.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The study was supported by grant G0701757 from the Medical Research Council (MRC) and grant 084840 from the Wellcome Trust, with contributions from the Economic and Social Research Council and the UK Department of Health and Social Care. KRM and RL are supported by the MRC (grant Mc_UU_12017/11; MC_UU_00022/3) and the chief scientist Office (grant SPHSU11). |
| Status: | Early Online Publication |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Mitchell, Professor Kirstin and Lewis, Dr Ruth |
| Authors: | Wellings, K., Gibson, L., Lewis, R., Datta, J., Macdowall, W., and Mitchell, K. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Sex Research |
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| ISSN: | 0022-4499 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1559-8519 |
| Published Online: | 09 February 2023 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2023 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Sex Research 2023 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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