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Early Adaptive Schemas and Sexual Wellbeing in Women: Exploring Differences in Menopausal Status
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Early Adaptive Schemas and Sexual Wellbeing in Women: Exploring Differences in Menopausal Status

Andrew Allen and Colleen Tully-Wilson
International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, Vol.8, pp.501-529
2023
PMCID: PMC10185943
PMID: 37361625
Appears in  UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection
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https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-023-00100-xView
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Abstract

Early adaptive schema Menopause Positive psychology Research Paper Sexual functioning Sexual satisfaction Sexual wellbeing UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages
There is limited research concerning the relationship between early adaptive schema, from Young’s Schema Theory, and women’s sexual wellbeing. Schema Theory posits that early adaptive schema start forming in early childhood from core emotional needs being met, and positively influence individuals’ concept of self, relationships with others, and their behaviours. Building on this theory, the current study explored the relationship of early adaptive schema and adult women’s sexual wellbeing at pre-, peri-, and post-menopause. Four hundred and sixty-seven women, mostly partnered and heterosexual, from over ten countries, participated in an online survey measuring relationships between early adaptive schema and sexual wellbeing, measured by sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. The strength of association of early adaptive schema and sexual well-being were evaluated in addition to known predictors. The results showed higher early adaptive schema were associated with higher sexual wellbeing, measured by sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning,with medium-to-large effect sizes, at pre and peri-menopause, and produced a non-significant result for post-menopause. The association of early adaptive schema continued after known factors were accounted for. The results support the use of early adaptive schema to promote sexual wellbeing for women at pre- and peri-menopause.

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