The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence the experience of urinary incontinence (UI) as it relates to sexual intimacy for older women. Additionally, I wanted to identify perceived areas of intervention that might positively influence the experience of UI as it relates to sexual intimacy for participants. The sample consisted of 10 women who ranged in age from 65 to 81. The theoretical framework guiding this study was a systemic perspective in which how participants make meaning is given prominence. Symbolic interactionism, social constructionism, and systems perspective are interwoven to provide the foundation for this study. Data were collected utilizing in-depth interviews. Self-portraits were introduced to enrich conversation during the second interview. Three conclusions were drawn from this study. First, feelings of secrecy that permeated this project were manifested in the lack of willing participants as well as brevity of responses during interactions with participants. Second, participants indicated a tendency to minimize their incontinence and to manage their symptoms without formal medical intervention. Third, participants offered perceived potential interventions that might positively influence the experience of UI. These included the provision information related to UI in a way that does not require individuals to request the information, such as brochures at physicians' offices, post-surgical follow-up, and individuals from whom participants would be most comfortable receiving such information. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this research was to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. At present, there is a lack of clinical knowledge, research knowledge and in-depth public discourse concerning the nature of healthy sexuality. The theoretical and research literature in this area has focused almost exclusively on defining and conceptualizing sexual dysfunctions with little attention paid to either normal or satisfactory experiences. Very little theory exists on the nature and components of optimal sexuality. To date, no empirical investigations have been done to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. In order to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals who reported having experienced “great sex”. A phenomenologically-oriented content analysis was performed on interview transcripts to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. Analysis led to the identification of seven major contributors, two pathways towards optimal sexual experiences and two minor contributors. The major contributors included developmental contributors, individual qualities overall, individual qualities in-the moment, skills, relationship qualities overall, relationship qualities in-the-moment and environmental, situational and preparatory contributors. Each of these larger themes was also characterized by a variety of more specific themes. The two pathways that led to optimal sexual experiences included individual qualities that facilitated relationship qualities and relationship qualities that facilitated individual qualities. Finally, the minor contributors consisted of personal proclivities and miscellaneous contributors. Noteworthy findings of this investigation are discussed and then compared and contrasted with existing research and theory. The implications of this work for the general public, sex therapy, sex education, theory and research are considered as well as the strengths and limitations of this study.

No description available.

The purpose of this research was to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. At present, there is a lack of clinical knowledge, research knowledge and in-depth public discourse concerning the nature of healthy sexuality. The theoretical and research literature in this area has focused almost exclusively on defining and conceptualizing sexual dysfunctions with little attention paid to either normal or satisfactory experiences. Very little theory exists on the nature and components of optimal sexuality. To date, no empirical investigations have been done to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. In order to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals who reported having experienced “great sex”. A phenomenologically-oriented content analysis was performed on interview transcripts to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. Analysis led to the identification of seven major contributors, two pathways towards optimal sexual experiences and two minor contributors. The major contributors included developmental contributors, individual qualities overall, individual qualities in-the moment, skills, relationship qualities overall, relationship qualities in-the-moment and environmental, situational and preparatory contributors. Each of these larger themes was also characterized by a variety of more specific themes. The two pathways that led to optimal sexual experiences included individual qualities that facilitated relationship qualities and relationship qualities that facilitated individual qualities. Finally, the minor contributors consisted of personal proclivities and miscellaneous contributors. Noteworthy findings of this investigation are discussed and then compared and contrasted with existing research and theory. The implications of this work for the general public, sex therapy, sex education, theory and research are considered as well as the strengths and limitations of this study.

The purpose of this research was to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. At present, there is a lack of clinical knowledge, research knowledge and in-depth public discourse concerning the nature of healthy sexuality. The theoretical and research literature in this area has focused almost exclusively on defining and conceptualizing sexual dysfunctions with little attention paid to either normal or satisfactory experiences. Very little theory exists on the nature and components of optimal sexuality. To date, no empirical investigations have been done to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. In order to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals who reported having experienced “great sex”. A phenomenologically-oriented content analysis was performed on interview transcripts to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. Analysis led to the identification of seven major contributors, two pathways towards optimal sexual experiences and two minor contributors. The major contributors included developmental contributors, individual qualities overall, individual qualities in-the moment, skills, relationship qualities overall, relationship qualities in-the-moment and environmental, situational and preparatory contributors. Each of these larger themes was also characterized by a variety of more specific themes. The two pathways that led to optimal sexual experiences included individual qualities that facilitated relationship qualities and relationship qualities that facilitated individual qualities. Finally, the minor contributors consisted of personal proclivities and miscellaneous contributors. Noteworthy findings of this investigation are discussed and then compared and contrasted with existing research and theory. The implications of this work for the general public, sex therapy, sex education, theory and research are considered as well as the strengths and limitations of this study.

The research done in preparation for this study illustrated that – although a lot of research has been done in terms of the impact of intimacy on marriage, Biblical models for marriage, and the implications of intimacy prior to marriage – few studies have been done regarding researched Scriptural perspectives and pastoral guidelines related to sexual intimacy aimed at religious newlywed couples. The above situation resulted in the main research question: What pastoral guidelines can be given to a newlywed religious couple regarding sexual intimacy in the initial stage of their marriage? Further research questions arose from this research question. This study was aimed at compiling pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage. The method designed by Zerfass for Practical Theology was used during this study. During basic theoretical research, as designed in chapter 2, it became clear that relevant pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of sexual intimacy in the Christian marriage can be identified from Scripture. Four guidelines, relevant to this study, were subsequently formulated. The practical theoretical research of the neighbouring sciences Psychology and Sociology in chapter 3 showed that humans are by nature sexual beings and that this is a need that attention should be given to. Sex inside the marriage is necessary, good and an important factor in marital happiness. Seeing as marriage is an intimate and loving relationship, the husband and wife should have each other’s interests and happiness as priority and not deny each other sex and sexual satisfaction. An empirical study to determine religious newlywed couples’ perceptions and attitudes regarding sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage was done in chapter 4. During this qualitative study, seven religious newlywed couples completed questionnaires, after which semi-structured interviews were conducted with each individual. In order to formulate specific practical theoretical pastoral guidelines, the researcher, in chapter 5, addressed the hermeneutical interaction within the context of religious newlywed couples. The basic theoretical perspectives arising from Scripture, practical theoretical perspectives as concluded from neighbouring Sciences, and the results from the empirical study were processed in order to compile possible guidelines for pastoral guidance. The aim of this pastoral guidance is the spiritual growth of both the husband and the wife, and to bring them to a better understanding of God’s will for sexual intimacy. The researcher’s final conclusion – as indicated by the central theoretical argument of this study – is that the compilation of pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage can indeed contribute to a deeper and more intimate marital relationship. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between relational aggression and sexual satisfaction, as well as the mediating role of attachment on this relationship. Data came from the Relationship Evaluation Survey (RELATE) comprised of the matched-pair responses of 797 couples in serious dating, engaged, or married relationships. Results showed the greater the perceived relational aggression the lower the sexual satisfaction for both self and partner, regardless of gender. Additionally, it appears a more satisfying sexual relationship can occur when an individual experiences a secure attachment base and can feel confident that his/her relationship is safe. For both genders, the more relationally aggressive behaviors reported, the lower the reports of secure attachment behaviors. Implications for clinicians and future research are discussed.

The research done in preparation for this study illustrated that – although a lot of research has been done in terms of the impact of intimacy on marriage, Biblical models for marriage, and the implications of intimacy prior to marriage – few studies have been done regarding researched Scriptural perspectives and pastoral guidelines related to sexual intimacy aimed at religious newlywed couples. The above situation resulted in the main research question: What pastoral guidelines can be given to a newlywed religious couple regarding sexual intimacy in the initial stage of their marriage? Further research questions arose from this research question. This study was aimed at compiling pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage. The method designed by Zerfass for Practical Theology was used during this study. During basic theoretical research, as designed in chapter 2, it became clear that relevant pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of sexual intimacy in the Christian marriage can be identified from Scripture. Four guidelines, relevant to this study, were subsequently formulated. The practical theoretical research of the neighbouring sciences Psychology and Sociology in chapter 3 showed that humans are by nature sexual beings and that this is a need that attention should be given to. Sex inside the marriage is necessary, good and an important factor in marital happiness. Seeing as marriage is an intimate and loving relationship, the husband and wife should have each other’s interests and happiness as priority and not deny each other sex and sexual satisfaction. An empirical study to determine religious newlywed couples’ perceptions and attitudes regarding sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage was done in chapter 4. During this qualitative study, seven religious newlywed couples completed questionnaires, after which semi-structured interviews were conducted with each individual. In order to formulate specific practical theoretical pastoral guidelines, the researcher, in chapter 5, addressed the hermeneutical interaction within the context of religious newlywed couples. The basic theoretical perspectives arising from Scripture, practical theoretical perspectives as concluded from neighbouring Sciences, and the results from the empirical study were processed in order to compile possible guidelines for pastoral guidance. The aim of this pastoral guidance is the spiritual growth of both the husband and the wife, and to bring them to a better understanding of God’s will for sexual intimacy. The researcher’s final conclusion – as indicated by the central theoretical argument of this study – is that the compilation of pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage can indeed contribute to a deeper and more intimate marital relationship. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

The present research aimed to address two questions. First, is dating anxiety associated with sexual intimacy anxiety? Second, do young people who report harmful sexual behaviour, as an offence or harmful dating behaviour, have higher levels of dating and sexual intimacy anxiety than young people who report no harm, non-sexual harm or sexual and non-sexual harm (generalists)? The Dating Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (DAS-A) was used to measure overall dating anxiety. Questions relating DAS-A sub-factors fear of negative evaluation and social distress - dating were amended to measure sexual intimacy anxiety. A scale to measure partnership anxiety and sexual behaviour anxiety were designed. Participants were 77 young people aged 13 to 18 years (M = 15.4, SD = 1.41). Forty-five (58%) of participants were female and 32 (42%) participants were male. Results found a strong, significant association between higher levels of dating anxiety and higher levels of sexual intimacy anxiety r(75) = .80, p < .001. Young people who reported a sexual offence had significantly higher sexual behaviour anxiety than non-sexual offence (M = 15.82, SD = 6.23, p = .005) and generalist offence groups (M = 21.77, SD = 6.53, p = .044). Despite no other significant differences, a pattern emerged that suggests young people who report harmful sexual or generalist dating behaviour may have higher dating and sexual intimacy anxieties. Furthermore, young people who report harmful dating behaviour may have higher anxieties than young people who report an offence. The implications of the findings for future harmful sexual behaviour and harmful dating behaviour research and practice are discussed.

No description available.