Intimacy and Loneliness in the Elderly: A Proposal
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This study examines intimacy in the elderly and specifically the relationship between intimacy and loneliness in the elderly. The study of intimacy in elders must first consider the definition of intimacy. Mackey, Diemer, and O'Brien, (2000) referred to psychological intimacy and defined this as a relationship that is open and honest and allows each to relate personal thoughts and feelings. However, the definition of intimacy varies and includes a combination of social, emotional, and physical factors (Wagner-Raphael, Seal, & Ehrhardt, 2001). For example, men and women view intimacy from a different perspective (Bedford & Avoili, 2001; Kingsberg, 2003; Wagner-Raphael et al., 2001). Some men define intimacy in terms of sexual relationships and some women define intimacy in terms of emotional exchanges (Wagner-Raphael, Seal, & Ehrhardt, 2001). In other cases, men report the expression of emotions and feelings of support as measures of intimacy (Wagner-Raphael, Seal, & Ehrhardt, 2001). Thus, variation exists regarding the definition of intimacy and the study of intimacy in the elderly is further complicated by additional f`ctors that must be considered such as affects of age on sexual functioning, increased needs for emotional support from different significant others, and links to loneliness (Bedford & Avoili, 2001; Kingsberg, 2002). A comprehensive understanding of the meaning of inti
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e attitudes toward sex, desires for more physical contact, and ratings of sexual dysfunction in their partner. Men rated their partner with lower sexual attitudes compared to women's ratings. Despite these differences there was no gender difference on scores that were predictors of relationship functioning: sexual behavior, conventionality, and assessment of personal levels of sexual dysfunction. There were also no differences on relationship scales of general relationship, conflict, and communication.
Dorr (2001) presented findings from interviews with five white, married men ranging in age from 40 to 50 years. These men were chosen due to high scores on an intimacy scale and low scores on a family of origin scale. Findings showed that these men changed their lives and transformed their experiences as adults, due to their experience with childhood role models and alternative caregivers and childhood friends. These men reported that their wives were key agents in the change process. The wives were perceived as strong and supportive. Thus, the levels of intimacy were based on emotional support factors.
Ethnicity and Intimacy
Heller and Wood (2000) reported on the influence of religious and ethnic differences on intim
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 9316
Approximate Pages = 37 (250 words per page)
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