Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Identifying knowledge and attitudes toward sexual expression among selected 65 to 74 year olds, utilizing a structured interview

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  • The two major purposes of this study were to gather data relative to the knowledge and attitudes toward sexual expression among sixty-five to seventy-four year olds and to determine whether or not significant differences existed between the sexes. The study focused on six research questions: These were: 1. Do older females and males differ significantly in terms of overall knowledge related to sexual expression? 2. Do older females and males differ significantly in terms of specific knowledge categories related to sexual expression? 3. Do older females and males differ significantly in terms of overall attitudes related to sexual expression? 4. Do older females and males differ significantly in terms of specific attitude categories related to sexual expression? 5. Are there significant differences between older females and males in terms of overall knowledge when they are grouped according to: marital status, education, religious attendance, self perceived health status and occupation? 6. Are there significant differences between older females and males in terms of overall attitudes when they are grouped according to: marital status, education, religious attendance, self perceived health status and occupation? The population selected for study was a voluntary organization of older adults, who resided in Marion County, Oregon. Thirty-two members, ages sixty-five to seventy-four who volunteered to participate in this study comprised the sample. A structured interview guide was utilized for data collection. Validity of the instrument was established through input from professional experts. Reliability was determined by comparing consistency of responses between three groups: a pilot test group, one in-study group matched to the pilot group and one in-study group selected at random. Both parametric and non-parametric statistical tools were used to analyze the data. These included the t test for research question one; Mann Whitney U for research questions two through four; the f test for research question five; and Chi Square for research question six. Although some minor differences were found to exist between males and females in terms of knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual expression, the differences were not found to be significant at the.05 level. Results of the study indicated the existence of misinformation, conflicting attitudes, and the desire for sexuality information by older adults. Because the sample in this study was found to be non-representative of the general older population, results may not be generalizable. Summaries of personal characteristics and self perception can be located in Tables 7 and 8. Suggestions for future replications of the study are made. Recommendations and implications for educators and service providers who work with older adults are also included.
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