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Medical students' attitudes toward sexually active older persons
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Contrary to popular belief, medical students showed positive attitudes toward sexually active older adults. This study challenges assumptions about societal disapproval of senior sexuality, suggesting a more nuanced view among younger generations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Societal assumptions often suggest disapproval of sexual activity in older adults.
- Empirical evidence supporting these widespread assumptions is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate medical students' attitudes toward sexually active older individuals.
- To examine potential biases regarding sexuality in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- An experiment involving 140 freshmen medical students.
- Participants read vignettes about a 68-year-old individual, with half informed about the person's sexual activity.
- Evaluations were made using a 0-9 rating scale for characteristics like mental alertness and cheerfulness.
Main Results:
- Medical students showed a significant positive bias toward the sexually active older individuals.
- This positive bias was observed regardless of the individual's gender.
- Attitudes were more favorable when sexual activity was mentioned.
Conclusions:
- Findings challenge the notion of universal disapproval of sexual activity in older persons.
- Medical students' perceptions may be more positive than commonly assumed.
- The study highlights the need for further research into societal attitudes on aging and sexuality.