Patterns of Sexuality, Adjustment to Aging and Satisfaction with Life: A Cluster Analysis of Adults Across the Lifespan

Sofia Humboldt (), Isabel Miguel, Gail Low and Isabel Leal
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Sofia Humboldt: ISPA: Instituto Universitario de Ciencias Psicologicas Sociais e da Vida
Isabel Miguel: Portucalense University
Gail Low: MacEwan University
Isabel Leal: ISPA: Instituto Universitario de Ciencias Psicologicas Sociais e da Vida

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2025, vol. 20, issue 1, No 1, 17 pages

Abstract: Abstract Sexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging, and satisfaction with life are relevant dimensions of overall well-being across the life cycle. Through cluster analysis procedures, this study aims to describe the specific profile of adjustment to aging, sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with life of adults across the life span. This cross-sectional study involved a community-based sample of 619 Portuguese individuals, aged between 18 and 92 years old (M = 47.53 SD = 18.34) evaluated using a two-step cluster analysis. Fours clusters emerged. The most adjusted participants were mostly of a younger age, women and had a high education. The least adjusted participants globally presented low education, poor perceived health, and poor engagement in leisure activities. Well-being focused participants were mostly women of older age, with high education and spirituality. Finally, moderately satisfied participants were mostly men of older age, had a lower education, and presented poor reported health. Complementary comparative analysis among the identified subgroups was performed. The most adjusted participants had the highest perceived overall sexual well-being, sexual attractiveness, sexual openness and communication, and sexual satisfaction. These data characterize the profile of this population and can be used as the basis for developing efficient strategies aimed a combining adjustment to aging, satisfaction with life and sexual satisfaction for tailored interventions to the specific needs of populations across the lifespan.

Keywords: Adjustment to aging; Cluster analysis; Satisfaction with life; Sexual satisfaction; Sexual well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11482-024-10394-x

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