Societal Norms and Masturbation

Societal norms greatly influence our views and attitudes concerning masturbation. In American society, Psychology Today says people tend to consider masturbation “as a sexual refuge for singles” who are looking to “compensate for a lack of sex” (Castleman) and gives others the impression that one who masturbates in inferior or incapable of having sexual relations. However, Castleman’s article references a survey conducted by the University of Chicago that disputes this theory and suggests instead that “a sexless relationship [will suppress] masturbation” (Castleman). Historically, masturbation was thought to lead to serious medical side-effects; however this is not the case. As more and more doctors medically proved that masturbation is not physically harmful, others looked to support the idea that masturbation could possibly have positive health effects. Both of these factors lead to a greater normalization of masturbation today.

Media plays a considerable role in our society’s sexual education and views. Most commonly, the stigma that masturbation is an inferior or weak sexual act crosses our television and computer screens often. For example, both “That 70s Show” and “Seinfeld” suggest that those who give in or fail to be “masters of his domain” (Chaney) are substandard to the rest of society.

Physical evidence that masturbation and sexual pleasure are positive behaviors seems to be more evident now than ever before. Not only is the act arousing, but serotonin and “epinephrine [course] through your body” (Daniels), increasing one’s mood significantly. Also, many researchers argue that people who masturbate have a heightened sense of what pleases them sexually, which often leads to a better intimacy with a partner (...

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...t I introduce in their sessions. However, I am concerned that not all participants will be completely honest and candid because of the stigmas inherent in our society.

Works Cited

Castleman, Michael. "All About Sex." 30 March 2009. Psychology Today. 1 February 2012

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Chaney, Jen. "'Seinfeld,' Four: It's Real and It's Spectacular." 17 May 2005. The Washington

Post. 2 February 2012.

Daniels, Chris and Jes Levatter. "Masturbation key to healthy, functional sexual relationships."

19 April 2007. The Badger Herald. 31 January 2012.

Dolphin, Lambert. Masturbation And The Bible. 5 March 1991. 31 January 2012

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Wells, Ken R. "Masturbation." 2006. Health Line. 2 February 2012

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