A thesis submitted to the University of Zululand, Fuculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology, 2006. / Human sexuality refers to the way in which we experience and express ourselves as sexual beings. Healthy sexuality varies in individuals, relationships and societies. Sexual and relationship problems are common to all societies. Misunderstanding and misinformation related to sexual relationship problems as well as the solutions to such problems are widespread. This is understandable considering the diverse and multifactorial nature of sexual behaviour, which encompasses biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of existence. Sexual adjustment and satisfaction are important features of personal well-being and satisfaction with intimate relationships.
This thesis constitutes theoretical and practical investigations into the relationship between sexuality and psychological well-being with special reference to the improvement of sexual functioning in interpersonal relationships. The research methodology consisted of a self-report questionnaire, which included biographical, quantitative and qualitative components, administered to 100 volunteer patients attending an outpatient clinic in a local general hospital for sexual problems, who had given informed consent to participate in the research. Quantitative components consisted of standardized sexuality and psychological well-being scales. The qualitative component consisted of participants' responses to an open-ended question as to suggestions recommended to improve their sexual relationships.
Main quantitative findings were that the South African sample perceived them to be less psychologically well. This supported earlier comparative research with this scale on South African and USA samples. Analysts of sexuality scale data revealed that South African and USA samples perceived themselves as having equal sexual health. In terms of comparisons between the sexuality and psychological well-being scales, the sexual depression subscale was negatively correlated with psychological well-being dimensions of environmental mastery, positive relations with others and self-acceptance. Main qualitative findings with regard to improving sexual relationships related to improving communication, intimacy, affection, self-esteem and quality of life. Integrating theoretical and practical investigations, the thesis concludes with various recommendations with regard to improving sexuality in interpersonal relationships. / National Research Foundation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uzulu/oai:uzspace.unizulu.ac.za:10530/187 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Roopnarain, Sonia |
| Contributors | Edwards, Steve |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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