L’identité sexuée à l’épreuve de la vieillesse chez un homme nonagénaire

Abstract

ObjectivesAging is often perceived as a degenerative process in which the elderly must adapt to a series of degradations. As the population grows older, the field of psychology focuses more on the social and physical aspects of aging than of those of a more psychical nature. In older adulthood, a very particular context appears with the scarcity of social ties, and physical modifications due to advanced age. These bring about profound identity reorganization. However, current aging research focuses little on sexual identity, which is often assumed to be non-existent, especially in old age. Our objective is to examine whether it indeed exists in later adulthood, and if so, to identify the possible trials and tribulations that the elderly encounter therein. MethodologyThis research is based on a clinical case study of a nonagenarian man in a retirement home. A clinical psychologist accompanied the subject over a period of six weeks, with two weekly interviews, the transcriptions of which make up different descriptive vignettes. Afterwards, a reflection allows us to grasp the different psychical characteristics expressed by this resident. Two approaches will guide us in our method of analysis. The first is phenomenological; it remains an interesting reference as it aims to establish an absence of any presuppositions, ensuring a certain neutrality on the part of the researcher, while leaving room for participation in observation and introspection. In addition, succeeding the latter, the method of psychoanalytic inquiry provides the framework for analysis, bringing about a theoretical-clinical articulation to identify and describe the different psychical processes. ResultsThe words of a nonagenarian man shed light on one of the possible destinies of sexual identification in very old age. Some changes can be sudden and destabilizing, reflecting feelings of confusion. Indeed, presenting a certain form of withdrawal, the resident states that he no longer recognizes himself in his sexual identity with the appearance of a new sexual attraction, causing great psychical suffering. This is first experienced as intrusive. It also calls into question his social identity, both within his family, and even within his circle of friends, and more intimately in his relationship with himself. This therapeutic accompaniment makes it possible to highlight unconscious motives that manifest themselves in this new sexual attraction. The identification of the latter puts an end to this period of confusion, the resident is then able to identify the origin of the episode. The emphasis on certain constants during this trying moment bring about an experience of an identical identity despite what he had thought. This accompaniment concluded with a certain sense of peace and continuity. ConclusionThe clinical setting makes it possible to question the notion of identity, both through psychoanalytic inquiry, and Butler's theoretical conception, which challenges the previous ideas about identity. This theoretical questioning of the clinic enables us to clarify and redefine a possible dynamic of sexual identity in its unconscious perspective. Finally, we put this study in perspective with previous research, and suggest new avenues of investigation to be explored in future studies.