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Drawing upon a large, recent probability sample of American adults ages 18–60 (7648 men and 8090 women), we explored the association between sexual frequency and masturbation, evaluating the evidence for whether masturbation compensates for unavailable sex, complements (or augments) existing paired sexual activity, or bears little association with...
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The aim of this study was to investigate the association between masturbation frequency and sexual dysfunction among men and women, focusing on individuals with and without regular sexual partners, and to determine whether sexual compatibility (e.g., similar sexual desire levels and a match between desired behaviors and behaviors one’s partner is w...
Objectives
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Met...
Citations
... The higher masturbation frequency in men could be attributed to the sexual double standard, which would grant men greater sexual freedom or permissiveness than women . It is known that masturbation in men plays a compensatory role for low frequency or dissatisfaction in sexual relationships (Regnerus et al., 2017;Sierra et al., 2023), which could explain this binomial of negative attitudes toward masturbation and higher frequency observed in men because men consider it a "second-class" sexual behavior. For intensity of the subjective orgasm experience, the literature usually indicates that women report greater intensity in the masturbation context vs. in sexual relationships Sierra et al., 2023). ...
... That is, of the four examined parameters (i.e., negative attitudes toward masturbation, solitary sexual desire, current masturbation frequency, subjective orgasm experience), only two presented validity evidence in the present laboratory study. Sexual pleasure, feeling aroused and learning about one's own body are the main reasons for masturbation in both men and women (Herbenick et al., 2023;Regnerus et al., 2017). Masturbation is characterized by selffocus, autonomy and control (Foust et al., 2022;Goldey et al., 2016). ...
Background
Interest in masturbation in sexual orientation and gender diversity research are rather limited. Extending this research field to include this type of population by considering different masturbation parameters is necessary. In this respect, various masturbation parameters (i.e., negative attitudes toward masturbation, solitary sexual desire, current masturbation frequency, subjective orgasm experience) were validated in a laboratory study with different measures of sexual arousal in persons who engage in same-sex relationships.
Aim
Our main aim was to provide evidence to support the validity of the different masturbation parameters in young people who engage in same-sex relationships. The association between masturbation parameters and various sexual arousal measures (genital response, rating of sexual arousal and rating of genital sensations) was analyzed.
Methods
During a lab task, 72 young adults who engaged in same-sex relationships (36 women, 36 men; age range: 18–32 years) watched content-neutral and sexually explicit films. They included scenes of self-exploration and solitary masturbation behaviors performed by individuals of the same sex as the participants. Negative attitudes toward masturbation, solitary sexual desire, current masturbation frequency, dimensions of subjective orgasm experience in the solitary masturbation context (i.e., affective, sensory, intimacy, rewards), propensity for sexual excitation, genital response (i.e., penile circumference and vaginal pulse amplitude), rating of sexual arousal and rating of genital sensations were assessed. Regression models were conducted to explain the arousal measures with masturbation parameters.
Results
In women, the intimacy dimension of the subjective orgasm experience in masturbation ( β = 0.42, p = 0.007) and solitary sexual desire ( β = 0.32, p = 0.040) predicted the rating of sexual arousal by explaining 24.1% of its variance. Conversely for men, the rewards dimension of the subjective orgasm experience in masturbation ( β = 0.40, p = 0.016) significantly predicted genital response and explained 13.4% of its variance.
Conclusion
Our findings validate some examined masturbation parameters (specifically solitary sexual desire and subjective orgasm experience) in young adults who engage in same-sex relationships. Gender differences in the masturbation parameters were observed for the relevance of these masturbation parameters for explaining sexual arousal. These findings support the relation between masturbation and sexual function.
... Sexual activity and thus sexual function can take place in a couple context (i.e., sexual relationships) or individually (i.e., solitary masturbation), each of which provides unique experiences [10][11][12]. Masturbation is related to genital pleasure, orgasm, or individual physical sensations and involves feelings of selfknowledge, autonomy, power, and control [10,13,14], whereas sexual relationships focus on mutual pleasure, partner enjoyment, emotional closeness, and trust in another person [10,13]. ...
Studies comparing sexual function between the contexts of masturbation and sexual relationships are scarce. This investigation analyzed the effects of sex (male vs. female), sexual context (solitary masturbation vs. sexual relationships), and the interaction effect between both variables on sexual arousal and orgasm. From October 2023 to May 2024, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used to evaluate the sexual arousal and orgasm of one thousand heterosexual cisgender Spanish adults (433 men and 567 women), aged 18–77 years, in both contexts. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. Men reported better sexual function as measured by the ASEX questions than women did (p values between < 0.001 and 0.021). With respect to sexual context, men’s arousal and ability to reach orgasm varied, with greater arousal in sexual relationships (p < 0.042) and a greater ability to reach orgasm during masturbation (p < 0.022). Finally, the sex x sexual context interaction was significant (p < 0.001), so men and women presented different patterns in arousal, penile erection/vaginal lubrication, ability to reach orgasm and satisfaction with orgasm (p values between < 0.001 and 0.034) when the contexts of solitary masturbation and sexual relationships were compared. This study highlights the importance of attending to sex and sexual context when assessing sexual function in both clinical and research settings.
... Although studies aimed at comparing SOE in sexual relationships and solitary masturbation (SOE-R and SOE-M, hereafter respectively) are scarce, Sierra et al. (2021) reported a higher intensity of SOE in the context of sexual relationships for a heterosexual sample. It has been proposed that the association between both orgasmic experiences is complex , observing a dependence between masturbation and satisfaction in sexual relationships posed in terms of a "masked" association, that is, an indirect association (Regnerus et al., 2017). The evidence for this association is therefore very limited and has led to the suggestion of a compensatory relationship between masturbation and the frequency of sexual relationships in men and a complementary relationship in women Sierra et al., 2023). ...
... Given the absence of studies that have addressed the analysis of intradyadic discrepancies in SOE intensity it is difficult to establish a priori hypotheses, so the following exploratory research questions are posed: (RQ1) will there be differences in intradyadic discrepancies in SOE according to the couple type (i.e., male-female, male-male, and female-female)?; and (RQ2) will intradyadic discrepancy in each dimension of SOE in the context of solitary masturbation be associated with intradyadic discrepancy in the global measure of the SOE in the context of sexual relationships? Considering the association between orgasm obtained in sexual relationships and that obtained through solitary masturbation Regnerus et al., 2017;Sierra et al., 2023), the intensity with which orgasm is subjectively experienced in sexual relationships is expected to be explained by the intensity with which both partners experience it in solitary masturbation (i.e., actor-partner effects are expected). ...
... This work demonstrates the association between subjective orgasm experience in the contexts of couple relationships and solitary masturbation raised in previous studies Regnerus et al., 2017;Sierra et al., 2023). It seems that SOE in couple relationships and in solitary masturbation overlap in certain aspects, but they are not identical constructs, coinciding with what was pointed out by Goldey et al. (2016) regarding sexual pleasure. ...
The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to the perception, sensation and/or evaluation of orgasm from a psychological point of view, representing an important construct of sexual functioning rarely studied under a dyadic approach. This study analyzed SOE in the contexts of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation in 179 different-sex and same-sex couples. The results indicated the absence of differences in intradyadic discrepancies in SOE dimensions in both sexual contexts, varying according to the type of couple. Besides, the study also highlights the influence of some of these discrepancies of SOE in solitary masturbation on SOE discrepancies in sexual relationships among the members of male-female and female-female couples. Furthermore, the study revealed that the intensity of partners' orgasm experience during solitary masturbation influences the intensity of SOE during sexual relationships, with variations observed based on the type of couple. These findings highlight the importance of considering SOE from a dyadic approach, with the association of orgasmic experience in both sexual contexts gaining relevance, differing according to the couple type. The results also point to the clinical implications of the dyadic effects of such an individual practice as solitary masturbation on shared sexual experiences.
... Similarly, masturbation might foster higher self-esteem or better sexual functioning during partnered sex (e.g., Hurlbert & Whittaker, 1991) but only among people who masturbate in order to learn about their bodies or sexuality. Further, there is a long-standing question of whether masturbation compensates for unsatisfying partnered sex or increases interest in partnered sex (e.g., Kinsey, Pomeroy, & Martin, 1948;Laumann et al., 1994;Regnerus, Price, & Gordon, 2017). This question could be clarified by investigating whether the negative association found between masturbation and sexual satisfaction (Långström & Hanson, 2006;Regnerus et al., 2016) is strongest for people who masturbate to compensate for sexual dissatisfaction. ...
... Participants in the final sample were 18-84 years old (M = 32.62, SD = 11.36) and reported their "gender and/or sex" as man (60.2%), woman (36.8%), or non-binary/non-conforming (GNB/ GNC; 2.7%); 5.4% of participants reported their gender was different than their sex assigned at Cotton, 1974;Bowman, 2014;Burri & Carvalheira, 2019;Carvalheira & leal, 2013;Clifford, 1978;Dodson, 1974;fahs & frank, 2014;hite, 1976, 1981Kinsey et al., 1948;Kinsey, pomeroy, Martin, & Gebhard, 1953;laumann et al., 1994;rowland et al., 2020;young, 2006;yuxin & ho Sik ying, 2009Sexual arousal arafat & Cotton, 1974Bowman, 2014;Burri & Carvalheira, 2019;hite, 1976, 1981Kinsey et al., 1948Kinsey et al., , 1953young, 2006young, arousal decrease arafat & Cotton, 1974Clifford, 1978;fahs & frank, 2014;hite, 1976, 1981rowland et al., 2020;young, 2006young, fantasy arafat & Cotton, 1974hite, 1976, 1981lehmiller, 2018;young, 2006young, exploration/improvement arafat & Cotton, 1974Bowman, 2014;Clifford, 1978;Dodson, 1974;fahs & frank, 2014;hite, 1976, 1981Kaestle & allen, 2011;young, 2006;yuxin & ho Sik ying, 2009Self-care Bowman, 2014Burri & Carvalheira, 2019;Carvalheira & leal, 2013;Clifford, 1978;Dodson, 1974;fahs & frank, 2014;hite, 1976, 1981Kaestle & allen, 2011;laumann et al., 1994;young, 2006; yuxin & ho Sik ying, 2009 regulation of negative emotions Bowman, 2014;Burri & Carvalheira, 2019;Carvalheira & leal, 2013;Clifford, 1978;hite, 1976, 1981laumann et al., 1994;rowland et al., 2020;young, 2006Compulsion Grubbs et al., 2020young, 2006Boredom/procrastination Bowman, 2014Burri & Carvalheira, 2019;laumann et al., 1994;rowland et al., 2020;young, 2006 avoidance of risky sex hite, 1976, 1981Kaestle & allen, 2011;laumann et al., 1994;young, 2006;yuxin & ho Sik ying, 2009efficiency de Bruijn, 1982fahs & frank, 2014;hite, 1976, 1981Kinsey et al., 1953;rowland et al., 2019, 2020Sexual dissatisfaction arafat & Cotton, 1974Bowman, 2014;Carvalheira & leal, 2013;Clifford, 1978;Das, 2007;fahs & frank, 2014;fischer & traeen, 2022;hite, 1976, 1981Kinsey et al., 1948Kinsey et al., , 1953laumann et al., 1994;regnerus et al., 2017;rowland et al., 2019, 2020young, 2006;yuxin & ho Sik ying, 2009 birth (e.g., transmasculine, genderqueer). Sexual orientations were heterosexual/straight (71.0%), bisexual (22.5%), gay/lesbian (2.8%), self-described (e.g., pansexual, queer; 3.3%), or asexual (0.7%). ...
... Masturbation has been linked to reduced anxiety and improved sleep [10,11], considered a self-soothing activity that can diminish tension [12]. Regular practitioners may experience lower anxiety levels and better sleep quality [6]. ...
... We investigated masturbation's potential role as a coping mechanism during the pandemic and discussed its implications for mental health strategies, considering the interplay between these factors. Based on the previous findings in this filed [6,10,11,14,15], we hypothesized that moderate masturbation frequency during the pandemic could correlate with lower anxiety levels and better sleep quality, as compared to the effects of greater frequencies of masturbation behaviors. ...
The COVID-19 pandemic has markedly influenced people’s lifestyle and sexual behaviors, including masturbation patterns. This study delved into how masturbation frequency could impact anxiety levels, sleep quality, and somatic symptoms post-masturbation among Chinese adults during this period. From December 2022 to January 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey, gathering data via WenJuanXing, a leading online survey platform in China. This platform facilitated the recruitment of a diverse cohort, spanning various age groups and geographical locations. Masturbation frequency among participants was subjectively categorized into three levels: ‘lesser’ (a few times over the past year), ‘moderate’ (once to three times a month), and ‘greater’ (weekly to almost daily). To assess anxiety levels and sleep quality, we employed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Among 1500 participants, we received 1423 valid responses. Among these, 65% (n = 930) reported engaging in masturbation in the past year, of whom 87.5% reported subjectively experiencing various levels of fatigue post-masturbation. These 930 responses were subsequently analyzed in-depth (e.g., non-parametric test and pathway analysis), with ages ranging from 18 to 54 years (mean age = 30.5, SD = 7.42). Notably, our findings indicate that participants with greater masturbation frequency exhibited higher anxiety levels [GAD-7 median score: 6 (lesser) vs. 4 (moderate) vs. 8 (greater), p < 0.001, Cohen’s f = 0.41] and poorer sleep quality [PSQI median score: 5 (lesser) vs. 4 (moderate) vs. 7 (greater), p < 0.001, Cohen’s f = 0.46]. A rough positive correlation between masturbation frequency and PSQI score was also observed (β = 0.16, p < 0.001). These results suggest potential mental and sleep benefits at moderate frequencies, especially in contrast to greater frequencies. However, the cross-sectional design and subjective categorization of masturbation frequency in our study limit our ability to draw definitive causal conclusions. These limitations highlight the need for future longitudinal research employing more precise categorizations of masturbation behavior, such as frequency, to delve deeper into these relationships and understand their underlying mechanisms.
... Questions were taken from those used in previous studies (C. P. Bowman, 2014;Regnerus et al., 2017). As recommended by Regnerus et al. (2017), the frequency of masturbation was measured with one question: "When did you last masturbate?". ...
... P. Bowman, 2014;Regnerus et al., 2017). As recommended by Regnerus et al. (2017), the frequency of masturbation was measured with one question: "When did you last masturbate?". This "last-approach" was chosen because we believed this would lower social desirability and recall bias compared to an "'average pattern'" question (e.g., how often do you masturbate?), which might lead to a lower mean frequency reported (Regnerus et al., 2017). ...
... As recommended by Regnerus et al. (2017), the frequency of masturbation was measured with one question: "When did you last masturbate?". This "last-approach" was chosen because we believed this would lower social desirability and recall bias compared to an "'average pattern'" question (e.g., how often do you masturbate?), which might lead to a lower mean frequency reported (Regnerus et al., 2017). However, because the question does not actually reflect the frequency of masturbation, it was operationalized as solo masturbation recency. ...
Attitudes among couples about women's solo masturbation are not well understood. The primary aim of this study was to assess (dis)similarities in attitudes between partners about women's solo masturbation and associations of each partner's attitudes with women's and their partners' sexual satisfaction. One hundred and four mixed-sex couples (M = 27.43 years), recruited through social networking websites and Prolific (an online research participant platform), completed an online survey about demographics, their experiences of solo masturbation, and validated measures of attitudes about women's masturbation and sexual satisfaction. Dyadic data were analyzed using correlational methods and the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Women and their partners reported similar and positive attitudes about women's solo masturbation. For women, reports of positive attitudes toward women's solo masturbation were associated with both their own and their partner's sexual satisfaction; there were no associations for men. The role of solo masturbation within romantic relationships is complex but our results support the idea that women's masturbation is now less stigmatized than commonly thought. Normalizing and including masturbation in the sexual script for individuals in relationships may help maximize their, and their partners,' sexual satisfaction.
... It was not until the twentieth century that attitudes toward masturbation gradually became more tolerant (Scrine, 2005). Actually, masturbation is almost universal in most cultures, and whether masturbation is related to sexual dysfunction has long been a hotly debated topic among sexologists (Brody, 2010;Das et al., 2009;Gerressu et al., 2007;Herbenick et al., 2010;Regnerus et al., 2017). Some studies suggest that higher masturbation frequency in single men is associated with better erectile function (Huang et al., 2022). ...
We aimed to establish the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population and explore the association between atypical masturbation and male sexual dysfunction in heterosexual males. Atypical masturbation refers to stimulation significantly distinct from that encountered during partnered sexual activity. We posted questionnaires that contained the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) and the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool on social media in China. We collected 2743 valid questionnaires from December 9, 2020, to April 18, 2021. We found that the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population was 10.97%. Men with atypical masturbation had lower IIEF-6 scores and higher rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) than men with typical masturbation. The prevalence of premature ejaculation and estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time were not significantly different among men with different patterns of masturbation. Our study demonstrated that atypical masturbation is associated with ED, and a clinician dealing with sexual issues should inquire more fully about masturbation patterns than has been done to date.
... In the sexual dimension, the paetner today is experienced as a response to the orgasmic necessity: you are sexually satisfied if you make me feel an 'orgasm, and in the current clinic we are increasingly witnessing an imbalance of the sexual dimension from a copulatory meeting plan to an autoeroticism / masturbatory plan (Regnerus et al. 2017). ...
This article explores the distinctive psychological and social characteristics of Post Digital Generation. The core psychoanalytic challenge for these generation is the question of identity-how to define and construct it in meaningful way. Psychoanalysis offers valuable insights into this issue, particularly through the concept of subjectivation, which involves the development of an autonomous ego and the creation of a personal psychic space. Key functions of the subject include self-creation, self-belonging, freedom, shared illusion, and the ability to form psychic ties. Insecure attachment and inadequate mentalization processes with caregivers can hinder subjectivation, leading to defensive mechanisms such as alexithymia and narcissistic traits. Understanding these aspects is crucial for clinicians, highlighting the need for further research into the pathogenesis of subjectivation and its implications for identity formation in contemporary society.
... Additionally, there is a well-documented orgasm-gap in sexual interactions between heterosexual men and women (Frederick et al., 2018). Even though the evidence is conflicting, some studies have shown a complementary relationship between masturbation and partnered sexual frequency, indicating that masturbation appears to be distinct from partnered sexual activities in women Regnerus et al., 2017). One study showed that women tend to reach orgasms more easily during masturbation as compared with partnered sexual activity (Rowland et al., 2018). ...
... Women's masturbation typically only involves stimulation of the clitoris (Adaikan, 2017;Dekker & Schmidt, 2003;King et al., 2011;Regnerus et al., 2017), or includes both clitoral and vaginal stimulation simultaneously (Butler, 1976;Clifford, 1978;Prause et al., 2016). Research exploring the potential beneficial effects of clitoral and vaginal stimulation is still limited. ...
Objectives
Recent findings suggest that individuals tend to engage in masturbation more frequently when experiencing elevated levels of psychological stress, and there appears to be distinguishable effects on stress response based on clitoral and vaginal stimulation. In this concurrent mixed-method study, we aimed to investigate this association in more detail using a convenience sample of 370 women.
Methods
Quantitative data were used to examine whether higher psychological distress was associated with higher levels of masturbation frequency depending on the mode of stimulation, while qualitative data gave further insight into this association.
Results
In regression analysis, higher levels of general and subscale-specific psychological distress were significantly associated with higher clitoral, but not combined clitoral and vaginal masturbation frequency. Qualitative content analysis showed that masturbation was used as a reliable coping strategy and self-care strategy which induced positive affective states, such as happiness and relaxation. Very few women reported negative feelings associated with masturbation. Mixed-method analysis revealed that women who indicated to use of masturbation for coping or self-care or who reported negative feelings did not differ in their level of psychological distress from women who did not report using it. The positive effects of masturbation were not related to the mode of stimulation.
Conclusions
Results showed the complexity of how psychological distress is related to sexual activity and point to the potential benefits of masturbation for dealing with psychological distress and for enhancing general well-being. Our results have various implications for researchers, clinicians, and society.
... Observing some adjectives in the context of solitary masturbation, especially "necessary", "desired", and "wanted", we can interpret that the group gave prominence to orgasms obtained via this behavior (there seems to be an apparent balance between both contexts), without the presence of adjectives that denote compensatory characteristics of orgasm in sexual relationships. While we are unaware of the frequency with which each person engages in both scenarios and, especially, the satisfaction derived from the orgasms experienced in each of them, taking as a reference the complementary vs. compensatory hypothesis of masturbation with respect to sexual relationships [54,55], we are inclined to think that for the sample of our study, both behaviors are complementary. Future studies should take into account additional variables to clarify this question. ...
The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to its perception and/or assessment from a psychological viewpoint. Few works have approached this construct from a qualitative perspective and have never taken a consolidated theoretical model as a reference. This study aims to provide qualitative validity evidence to the Multidimensional Model of Subjective Orgasmic Experience, derived from the Orgasm Rating Scale (ORS), to qualitatively address SOE in the contexts of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation, analyzing the terms self-generated by individuals and examining the coincidence with the semantic descriptions of orgasm proposed by the ORS. Four hundred Spanish adults aged 18 to 64 years participated. The Technique of Free Association of Words was applied, and prototypical, frequency, and similitude analyses were performed. A similar description was observed concerning the terms generated in both contexts, with a higher frequency and intensity in the context of sexual relationships. In the context of solitary masturbation, negative orgasmic descriptions were evoked. Participants were able to elicit the vast majority of ORS adjectives, with Affective being the most notable dimension, followed closely by Rewards, especially in masturbation. Most of the adjectives were evoked simultaneously with those of the Affective, with “pleasurable” standing out as the most predominant one. This work provides qualitative evidence to the SOE study, ratifying the semantic composition of the ORS and thus endorsing the Multidimensional Model of Subjective Orgasmic Experience as a good theoretical model from which to continue studying the subjective orgasmic experience.
