Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
[Sexuality in the second half of the life span]
M Schmid Mast1, R Hornung, F Gutzwiller
1Interdisziplinäre Koordinations- und Forschungsstelle für Sexualwissenschaften der Universität Zürich, Schweiz. mschmid@genpsy.unizh.ch
Abstract:
Compared to other research areas of sexology, the state of knowledge regarding sexual behavior and experiences in middle and older age is rather poor. This is due to not only the continuing taboo placed on questions regarding sexuality of elderly people, but also to limited understanding of factors influencing the sexual realm. The present review presents findings on sexuality in the second half of the life span from a number of differing disciplinary perspectives. Focus is on gender differences in sexual life and the influence of critical life events on sexuality in women in the second half of the life span. Apart from restrictive social norms and individual personality factors, physiological changes during the menopause can also have an effect on sexuality. The special situation of elderly women without partners and changes in partnership sexuality during this phase of the life span are discussed. Some recommendations for the field of gynecology are derived from a multidisciplinary approach.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Latency
The latency period is not considered...
Psychosexual Theory of Development
The Five Stages of Psychosexual Development
Freud's psychosexual...
Menopause
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Phallic
