The relationship between age-gap relationships/dating, sexual function, relationship satisfaction, sexual self-efficacy and well-being

Abstract

This study aimed to look at the relationship between age-gap relationships among a diverse group of people with sexual function, relationship satisfaction, sexual self-efficacy and well-being. An age-gap relationship in this study referred to an age difference of around 7–10 years. One hundred and twenty-six participants aged 18–50 years and above involved in an age-gap relationship/dating took part in an online cross-sectional survey of questionnaires measuring demographic information, sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, sexual self-efficacy and well-being. For men, relationship satisfaction was a predictor of age-gap relationships and for women, relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction and sexual pain were predictors of age-gap relationships across genders and sexuality. Compared to younger men dating older women, older men dating younger women were more preoccupied with their sexual functioning and had higher levels of ejaculatory difficulties. Compared to older women dating younger men, younger women dating older men reported lower levels of sexual satisfaction, sexual arousal, lubrication and orgasms. The perception of economic gain predominated among younger women dating older men and younger men dating older men. Outcomes suggest that higher sexual and relationship satisfaction was reported by older adults who date younger individuals. However, there needs to be a stronger LGBTQIA+ voice being represented in age-gap relationship research aimed at informing psychosexual services in supporting diverse people.