Mental health articles

masturbation practices of males and females Prevalence of masturbation is diffi cult to ascertain because of the stigma associated
with self-stimulation and its implication of immorality, hypersexuality,
or inability to attract a sexual partner. Nonetheless, masturbation is the
most frequent sexual activity among young males, with 85% of college men
reporting having done it compared with 37% of women (Schwartz, 1999). Partnered
women report as much nonintercourse sexual activity as men, however.Frequency and duration of masturbation sessions vary greatly and are
infl uenced by libido, opportunity, fatigue, stress, and religiosity. Whereas
many females self-stimulate occasionally, it is not uncommon for young
adult males to masturbate 4–7 days a week, one or two times a day, oft en
shamefully concealing this from others, including therapists.
To enhance masturbation, more males than females utilize sexually explicit
images. For many, Internet pornography aff ords irresistible temptation, especially
during periods of stress; chronically anxious students may masturbate
more frequently during exam periods. Whereas most are comfortable with
this, some experience guilt, and fear that it indicates pathology. Young adults
may present for counseling when masturbation evokes disturbing imagery,
seems too frequent, or is in opposition to moral or religious dictates.
It is important to recognize the benefi ts of masturbation for both males
and females, including physical gratifi cation, distraction, and tension release.
Masturbation poses virtually no risk of pregnancy or STI and may help maintain
students’ virginity. Masturbating using the start-stop and squeeze techniques
trains males to postpone ejaculation, and masturbating to orgasm
prior to a date reduces hypersexuality and may promote positive nonsexual
interactions or help forestall premature ejaculation. Self-pleasuring acquaints
females with their bodies, and so may help them directly communicate to
partners their requirements for sexual gratifi cation. For some women, it also
demonstrates their capability of achieving orgasm, a sometimes diffi cult or
protracted task with males.
Ego-dystonic or compulsive masturbation is problematic, however. If
ego-dystonic, therapists should explore cultural and religious myths or
prohibitions (and perhaps identify more acceptable sexual outlets), process
objectionable sexual fantasies, and impart information regarding normative
sexual functioning. Masturbation is considered compulsive when a student
is sexually preoccupied, feels out of control, and possibly has diminishing
sexual enjoyment. Injury to the genitals or other body parts and interference
with academic or social functioning are also problematic. If determined to be
compulsive or otherwise anxiety related, masturbation’s meaning should be
thoroughly examined and other coping methods taught, such as emotional
regulation, distraction, and social skills training.
One female student habitually resorted to masturbation when socially and
academically anxious. She eventually learned to distinguish sexual arousal
from emotional apprehension and resisted masturbation—a form of distraction
and self-soothing—in favor of journal writing, a focusing activity that
allowed her to explore underlying fears and strategize coping means such as
obtaining academic assistance for diffi cult assignments and confronting her
boyfriend during periods of friction.
Psychotropic medication may be indicated when the compulsive behavior
does not respond to psychotherapy.

Tags: masturbation