A Mixed-Methods Inquiry into the Intimate Practices of Partnered Mature Students and Influences on Relationship, Sexual, and School Satisfaction

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Muffet

Mixed qualitative and quantitative methods examine how postsecondary study affects intimate relationships and school experiences for partnered mature students. Quantitative regression analyses show parental status, family support, partner support, and sexual desire significantly predict relationship satisfaction, while family support and partner support predict sexual satisfaction; age and sexual desire predict school satisfaction for women only. Qualitative thematic analysis highlights time shortage, fatigue, and stress as negative influences on sexual satisfaction, while personal growth is both beneficial and problematic. Participants also describe using sex to support academic success by reducing stress or providing distraction. The study discusses campus program approaches to better address these impacts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Research approach and quantitative findings

Qualitative themes and participant experiences

Implications for postsecondary institutions

CSSHE SCÉES Canadian Journal of Higher Education Revue canadienne d’enseignement supérieur Volume 45, No. 2, 2015, pages 116-133 A Mixed-Methods Inquiry into the Intimate Practices of Partnered Mature Students and Influences on Relationship, Sexual, and School Satisfaction Tricia M. van Rhijn University of Guelph Sarah H. Murray American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Robert C. Mizzi University of Manitoba Abstract Through the use of mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, the current study explored the impact of postsecondary study on the intimate relationships and school experiences of partnered mature students. Quantitative regression analyses indicated that parental status, family support, partner support, and sexual desire significantly predicted relationship satisfaction, while family support and partner support significantly predicted sexual satisfaction. Age and sexual desire predicted school satisfaction for women only. Through qualitative thematic analysis it was determined that not having enough time, feeling too tired, and being stressed negatively impacted sexual satisfaction, while experiencing personal growth was described as both beneficial and problematic. Some participants reported using sex to aid in their academic success by way of offering a distraction or reducing stress. We discuss possible ways that postsecondary institutions, through their campus programs, can better address the impact school may have on mature students’ intimate relationships. CJHE / RCES Volume 45, No. 2, 2015 Intimate Practices of Mature Students / T. M. van Rhijn, S. H. Murray, & R. C. Mizzi 117 Résumé Grâce à l’utilisation d’une variété de méthodes qualitatives et quantitatives, l’étude suivante étudie l’effet des études post-secondaires sur les relations intimes et les expériences scolaires des étudiants adultes en couple. Larégression des analyses quantitatives indique que le statut parental, le soutien familial, l’appui du partenaire et les désirs sexuels prédisent significativement la satisfaction à l’égard des relations personnelles, tandis que le soutien familial et l’appui du partenaire prédisent de façon significative la satisfaction sexuelle. L’âge prédit aussi la satisfaction académique chez les hommes et les femmes, de même que le désir sexuel chez les hommes seulement. En utilisant une analyse thématique qualitative, il a été déterminé que le fait de ne pas disposer d’assez de temps, la fatigue et le stress ont des répercussionsnégatives sur la satisfaction sexuelle. Enfin, une croissance personnelle a été décritecomme étant à la foisbénéfique et problématique. Certains participantsont déclaré avoir utilisé le sexe pour aider à leurs réussites scolaires afinde s’offrir une distraction ou de diminuer leur stress. Nous discutons des moyens possibles pour les institutions post-secondaires de mieux traiter, par le truchement de leurs programmes, l’effet que peuvent avoir les études sur les relations intimes des étudiants adultes. University campuses have increasingly become responsible for, and responsive to, students’ sexuality-related issues. For example, many campuses now have sexual health seminars and/or centres to communicate helpful information to the student body about maintaining a healthy sexual life. In addition, university administrations on many campuses have investigated and addressed sexual harassment and violence to end and prevent such encounters (e.g., Best, Smith, Raymond, Green, & Crouch, 2010) . In both cases, students are dependent on higher education institutions for sexual information, safety, and recovery. While ad hoc curricula and practices, such as workshops on sexual health and safety, are important tools, an integrated and holistic approach to sexuality and relationships in the university setting may improve students’ experiences and learning outcomes. Further, because the majority (65%) of university students fall between the ages of 18 and 2

FAQs

What methods does the study use?

The study uses mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to examine postsecondary study impacts on partnered mature students’ intimate relationships and school experiences.

Which factors significantly predict relationship and sexual satisfaction?

Quantitative regression indicates parental status, family support, partner support, and sexual desire predict relationship satisfaction, while family support and partner support predict sexual satisfaction.

What negative and positive themes emerge from the qualitative analysis?

Not having enough time, feeling too tired, and experiencing stress negatively affect sexual satisfaction, while personal growth is described as both beneficial and problematic.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Muffet