ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PSYCHOSEXUAL FACTORS, FAMILY VARIABLES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Links between psychosexual factors (sexual communication and sexual satisfaction), family variables (marital satisfaction, years in marriage, and the number of children), and psychological well-being among Yoruba older adults of Southwestern Nigeria were investigated.  A cross-sectional research design was used for the study.  Two hundred and nine (209) older adults aged 60 to 92 years (M = 68.2, SD = 8.05, Females = 81, Males = 128) were conveniently drawn from five (5) communities in Southwestern Nigeria.  Data collected from the samples using a self-administered paper and pencil questionnaire were analyzed using  Structural equation modelling (SEM).  Results showed that sexual satisfaction has a direct and significant effect on marital satisfaction and psychological well-being among older adults; sexual satisfaction mediates the effect of years in marriage on psychological well-being; increased number of children leads to lower marital satisfaction and poor psychological well-being in old age, and sexual communication enhances psychological well-being in old age.  Notwithstanding the fact that sexual behaviour is shrouded in secrecy among older adults in some African cultures like Nigeria, the study concluded that it plays a significant role in enhancing their psychological well-being.