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[Sexuality of suicidal elderly].
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Bethesda-AK Bergedorf, Glindersweg 80, 21029 Hamburg.
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie
|February 21, 2008
Summary
This study explores sexuality in elderly individuals, finding distinct patterns linked to suicidality. Understanding these sexual typologies can aid therapists in supporting older adults, especially those in suicidal crisis.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Context:
- Sexuality and suicidality in the elderly are often overlooked in scientific research and therapeutic settings.
- There is a need for explorative studies to understand these critical aspects of human experience in older adults.
Purpose:
- To explore the relationship between sexuality and suicidality in the elderly.
- To develop an explorative typology of elderly sexuality based on qualitative narratives.
Summary:
- A qualitative study analyzed narratives on sexuality from 56 elderly individuals (43 suicidal, 23 non-suicidal).
- Ideal types were developed, revealing four types with a predominance of suicidal individuals and two with more non-suicidal individuals.
- Identified types included a "suicidal dynamic" type, a "female narcissistic" type, and a "male narcissistic" type.
Impact:
- This typology can serve as a guide for therapists and counselors to better understand elderly patients.
- Integrating discussions of sexuality can improve patient comprehension and therapeutic engagement, particularly for those in suicidal crisis.
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