Beyond sexual stereotypes: Revealing group similarities and differences in optimal sexuality.

Abstract

The original goal of this research was to develop an empirically based, conceptual model of optimal sexuality. To that end, semistructured, phenomenologically oriented interviews were conducted with 76 key informants. The three participant groups consisted of men and women over the age of 60 who had been married for over 25 years, self-identified members of sexual minority groups, and sex therapists. Strikingly, the descriptions of optimal sexuality were nearly universally identical among the first two participant groups; that is, across men and women, older married people, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) or "kinky" participants; however, the sex therapists were conspicuous outliers. Even though five raters in the research team were blind as to the demographic characteristics of the participants, raters consistently and accurately detected the sex therapists' transcripts and conceptions as undeniably and markedly different. The repercussions of these findings for clinical work are explored. Most notably, assumptions about sexuality (e.g., malefemale sexual differences) at the dysfunctional to "normal" ends of the spectrum may not hold true at the high end of the continuum. Sex therapists may benefit from rethinking sexual potential to help in improving clients' sex lives.

Can less be more? Comparing duration vs. frequency of sexual encounters in same-sex and mixed-sex relationships

“…The notion of exchanging frequency for duration fits well with Kleinplatz's theories on optimal sexuality, where she repeatedly warns against engaging in mediocre sex simply for the sake of engaging in sexual activity (Kleinplatz, 2006). It is difficult to imagine the levels of intense intimacy and synchronicity described by Kleinplatz (Kleinplatz & Menard, 2007;Kleinplatz, Menard, Paradis, Campbell & Dalgleish, 2013) being routinely reached through sexual encounters lasting less than 10 or even 15 minutes. In developing her conceptualization of optimal sexuality, Kleinplatz builds upon the experiences of individuals who describe their sexual encounters as moments of transcendence marked by the extremes of sexual and erotic intimacy (Kleinplatz & Menard, 2007).…”

Intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress in vulvodynia couples: An observational study.

“…In line with theoretical models of intimacy, empathy communicates validation, understanding, and caring in response to the speaker's disclosure (Reis & Shaver, 1988). Responsiveness has been argued to be central to women's sexual satisfaction (Basson, 2010), and more recently to men's (Kleinplatz et al, 2013). In previous qualitative research among older participants, optimal sexual experiences were more likely to occur when responsive and empathically attuned communication was present (Kleinplatz et al, 2013).…”

“…Responsiveness has been argued to be central to women's sexual satisfaction (Basson, 2010), and more recently to men's (Kleinplatz et al, 2013). In previous qualitative research among older participants, optimal sexual experiences were more likely to occur when responsive and empathically attuned communication was present (Kleinplatz et al, 2013). In vulvodynia, the presence of pain during intercourse often forces the couple to adapt their sexuality to pain-free and pleasurable sexual activities for the woman.…”

Moving towards understanding greater diversity and fluidity of sexual expression of older people

“…The belief that women want romance in a committed (heterosexual) relationship and men engage in more sexual behaviours with higher levels of desire continues to be held in the predominant understanding of gender differences. Research questions and hypotheses are often framed accordingly, but clearly do not always reflect reality (Kleinplatz et al, 2013). This is in keeping with our clinical practice, where we come across older adults, particularly older women, who eschew sexual identity/labels but quietly begin having sex with same-sex partners.…”

“…Unfortunately, the result of these negative perceptions is that older people themselves often hold similar self-stereotypes. Few data are available on "normal" sexuality in older people, let alone the entire spectrum of sexual expression including optimal sexuality (Kleinplatz, 2008;Kleinplatz et al, 2013). Few empirical studies have been conducted on the subjective sexual experiences of older people.…”