Table 3.
Rating of Positive and Negative Attitudes Toward Sexual Activities in the General Population and Masters Athletes.
| Attitude | General population (n = 1,662) | Masters athletes (n = 166) |
|---|---|---|
| Positive attitudes toward sex | ||
| Sexual activity is important to my overall quality of life. | 3.3 ± 1.2 | 4.1 ± 0.9** |
| Sexual activity is a critical part of a good relationship. | 3.7 ± 1.0 | 4.1 ± 0.8** |
| Sexual activity is a duty to one’s spouse/partner. | 3.0 ± 1.1 | 3.0 ± 1.1 |
| Negative attitudes toward sex | ||
| Sexual activity is a pleasurable, but not necessary, part of a good relationship. | 3.2 ± 1.1 | 2.8 ± 1.1** |
| Sex becomes less important to people as they age. | 3.2 ± 1.1 | 3.0 ± 1.1* |
| I do not particularly enjoy sex. | 2.0 ± 1.0 | 1.6 ± 1.0** |
| I would be quite happy never having sex again. | 2.1 ± 1.1 | 1.6 ± 1.1** |
| Sex is only for younger people. | 1.8 ± 0.8 | 1.4 ± 0.7** |
| People should not have a sexual relationship if they are not married. | 2.6 ± 1.3 | 1.8 ± 1.2** |
Note. Data are M ± SD. Scale: 1 (strongly disagree), 2 (disagree), 3 (neither agree nor disagree), 4 (agree) and 5 (strongly agree).
*p < 0.05, **p < 0.001 vs. the general population.