Marital Satisfaction in Older Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between marital satisfaction and sexual satisfaction, as well as other contributing factors, in the lives of older American adults.

Design/methodology/approach: Data from a restricted sample (N = 1,278) from the second wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) was analyzed. Regression models were used to examine associations with marital satisfaction.

Findings: Within ordinary least squares regression gender, education level, mental health, self-rated happiness, the absence of sexual quality, physical satisfaction, and emotional satisfaction were each statistically significant. Females reported higher marital satisfaction than males. Higher educated individuals expressed less satisfaction within their marriages than those with less formal education. Those that rated their mental health, happiness, and physical and emotional satisfaction high also reported higher marital satisfaction. Participants that reported an absence of sexual quality generally rated their marital satisfaction lower.

Originality/value: Most studies focus on the experiences of younger and middle-aged adults, often excluding older adults. Further, while there have been efforts to focus more research on the relationships of adults in midlife to late life, sexuality is still largely ignored.

Citation

Thompson, B. (2021), "Marital Satisfaction in Older Adults", Claster, P.N. and Blair, S.L. (Ed.) Aging and the Family: Understanding Changes in Structural and Relationship Dynamics (Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, Vol. 17), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 267-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-353520210000017014