Abstract
This study of 535 older married couples examined the relationship between depression and health and sexual satisfaction directly
and when mediated by communication. The sample included 535 older couples who completed a survey questionnaire known as Project
Couple Retire. Among the items in the questionnaire were measures of depression, health, perception of sexual intimacy, communication
and other demographic information. Results from Structural Equation Modeling indicated that for women, health was a significant
predictor of sexual satisfaction. For both genders, the results suggest that depression, when mediated by communication, is
a predictor of sexual satisfaction among older couples. Implications for clinicians are discussed.
and when mediated by communication. The sample included 535 older couples who completed a survey questionnaire known as Project
Couple Retire. Among the items in the questionnaire were measures of depression, health, perception of sexual intimacy, communication
and other demographic information. Results from Structural Equation Modeling indicated that for women, health was a significant
predictor of sexual satisfaction. For both genders, the results suggest that depression, when mediated by communication, is
a predictor of sexual satisfaction among older couples. Implications for clinicians are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s10591-012-9198-2
- Authors
- Victoria C. Scott, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 266 TLRB, BYU, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- Jonathan G. Sandberg, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 266 TLRB, BYU, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- James M. Harper, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 266 TLRB, BYU, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- Richard B. Miller, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 266 TLRB, BYU, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- Journal Contemporary Family Therapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3335
- Print ISSN 0892-2764