The purpose of this study was to explore in depth the process of sexual identity reconstruction in midlife from a psychoanalytic perspective, focusing particularly on three psychological dynamics: the reactivation of sexual drives, the making‑conscious of repressed affects, and the re-examination of interpersonal relationship patterns. To achieve this, a single-case study was conducted with a bisexual man in his forties. Using a single-case study method, data were collected through semi‑structured, in‑depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to investigate how changes in sexual identity during midlife emerge through the interaction of drives, affects, and interpersonal relationships.
The results were as follows:
The participant began re-examining his self‑identity following experiences such as separation, social expectations, relational pressure, and loneliness, and through this process attempted to reinterpret his sexual orientation and relational style. His affective experiences appeared in a mature form characterized by repression and regulation, showing a tendency to maintain emotional stability and control through self-reflection.
In interpersonal relationships, while selectivity and boundary-setting became stronger, flexibility also expanded, allowing him to acknowledge attraction toward "the person themselves" beyond gender.
These results suggest that sexual identity in midlife is not a fixed characteristic but a dynamic process reconstructed within one’s life history, emotional experiences, and relational reorganization. By articulating the
psychodynamic mechanisms underlying sexual identity reconstruction in midlife, this study contributes to expanding clinical and counseling understanding of sexual diversity. Finally, considering the limitations of a single-case study, future research should include diverse groups and cultural contexts.