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“I just wanted a meaningful interaction”: Exploring the impact of lockdown on women’s sexual lives in Ireland

Mandarano Cruz e Silva, Roberta (2022) “I just wanted a meaningful interaction”: Exploring the impact of lockdown on women’s sexual lives in Ireland. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic promoted a negative impact on women’s psychological wellbeing and sexual lives. In countries where lockdown measures were introduced, higher levels of stress and anxiety among women have affected sexual frequency and performance and promoted a decrease in desire and satisfaction. Few studies have investigated the effects of lockdown exclusively on women’s sexual lives. To our knowledge, this is the first study aiming to explore how the experience of lockdown impacted women’s sexual behaviours in Ireland. The question guiding this research was: How did the psychological distress promoted by social confinement impact young women’s sexual activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland? We promoted a reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with seven young women ranging from 27 to 34 years old. Four key intersecting themes were identified: (i) Sex was not a priority; (ii) A little less spontaneous; (iii) Any meaningful interaction; and (iv) It took up a different meaning. Results indicate lower levels of sexual activity and satisfaction, an urge for social contact and intimacy, and changes in sexual self-concept. Interventions and campaigns promoting awareness and support regarding women’s sexual health and psychological wellbeing during distressing times must be considered by practitioners and by the government.

Item Type: Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland
Divisions: School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User: Clara Chan
Date Deposited: 15 Jul 2022 14:31
Last Modified: 15 Jul 2022 14:31
URI: https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5659

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