Comparison of caregivers', residents', and community-dwelling spouses' opinions about expressing sexuality in an institutional setting.
Opinions regarding the appropriateness of elderly residents' sexual behaviors in a chronic care hospital and how to respond to inappropriate behaviors were surveyed. Study participation was open to all staff (N = 1,205), eligible residents (N = 182) and community-dwelling spouses (N = 103). Participation rates were 40% (residents), 42% (spouses), 34% (nursing staff), 50% (allied health staff), and 22% (support staff). Staff completed the questionnaire independently, while residents and spouses were offered self-completion or a structured interview. Almost all selected the interview. Residents and spouses were less tolerant than staff of residents' masturbating, engaging in sexual relationships, viewing sexual materials, and making sexual approaches to staff. Privacy was the primary determinant of appropriateness for behaviors for all groups. Staff and spouses were more likely to endorse counseling when behaviors were perceived as inappropriate than residents. Nurses endorsed counseling less frequently than allied health professionals and support staff. Nurses were more likely to have been approached sexually by a resident. Differences of opinion are interpreted in terms of cohort influences on values and contextual influences on behavior.
Gibson
M C
MC
Veterans Care Program, Parkwood Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
Bol
N
N
Woodbury
M G
MG
Beaton
C
C
Janke
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006763:Hospitals, Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D018907:Privacy; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires