Sexual Relations and Solitary Masturbation Among Partnered Individuals: A Harmonious Combination

What is it about?

Traditionally, the study of sexuality in coupled individuals has focused on shared sexual activities, sidelining solitary masturbation—which is sometimes considered a taboo subject in this context. However, understanding why individuals in relationships masturbate and their attitudes toward the practice is essential for a deeper comprehension of sexual health. Although it is known that masturbation can either complement or compensate for sexual activity within a couple, the factors defining these patterns—such as motives, solitary sexual desire, or the experience of orgasm—had not been explored in detail. With this objective, this study analyzed how different profiles of sexual activity in heterosexual coupled individuals are associated with sociodemographic variables (e.g., age, relationship duration, cohabitation) and variables specifically related to masturbation (e.g., attitude, motives, pornography use, and orgasm appraisal). The assessment of 1,028 Spanish adults (475 men and 553 women) with different-gender partners allowed for the creation of three profiles or "clusters" based on the frequency of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation, which differed in the following aspects: 1. Profile 1: High frequency of partnered sex and solitary masturbation. This group represents the complementary role of masturbation. Both men and women are characterized by more positive attitudes toward masturbation, practicing it primarily for sexual pleasure rather than dissatisfaction with their partner. Furthermore, they report high solitary sexual desire and a more intense subjective orgasm experience in its affective and reward dimensions compared to other profiles. They also show higher pornography consumption motivated by seeking sexual arousal. 2. Profile 2: Low frequency of partnered sex and high frequency of solitary masturbation. This group personifies the compensatory model of masturbation, a behavior intended to make up for deficiencies in sexual activity within the couple. These individuals indicated masturbating more frequently due to a lack of sex with their partner or relational dissatisfaction. In men, pornography consumption was more closely linked to emotional avoidance. In women, this profile was more common among those who were older and in longer-term relationships, suggesting they might turn to masturbation more often as dyadic activity potentially declines over time. 3. Profile 3: High frequency of partnered sex and low frequency or absence of solitary masturbation. This group is distinguished by having the lowest solitary sexual desire and the most negative attitudes toward masturbation, especially among women. They report long-term relationships and lower pornography consumption. In this case, frequent sexual activity with a partner seems to inhibit solitary sexual desire; however, for women, a later initiation into masturbation and negative attitudes suggest that traditional sexual scripts might be mediating these findings.

Featured Image

Photo by Cody Black on Unsplash

Photo by Cody Black on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The study's findings underscore that masturbation is not intrinsically "good" or "bad" for a relationship; rather, its role depends on underlying motives and attitudes. While using it for pleasure enriches sexual life, using it exclusively as compensation can be an indicator of sexual dissatisfaction. It is highlighted the need to destigmatize masturbation in sexual education and couples therapy, integrating it as a healthy practice that is part of an individual's sexual repertoire, even when in a relationship.

Perspectives