A longitudinal study of 2,562 Norwegian adults surveyed in their early 20s, late 20s, and early 40s, shows, contrary to widespread assumptions, that having partnered sex more often does not lead to less masturbation. Indeed, the women who had more partnered sex also masturbated more, and women masturbated more in their late 20s to early 30s than in their early 20s. The authors of this recent study in the Journal of Sex Research suggest that this is related to their absorption of discourses “linking women’s sexual pleasure with liberation, empowerment, and independence.” We learn much else: non-heterosexuals masturbate more, men masturbate almost as much in their 40s as in their early 20s, and religiosity affects masturbation frequency only for younger women.
Sexuality, lifestyle, and culture writer Zachary Zane recently suggested that folks be more intentional about masturbation. He thinks it is something that should be prioritized by sexual subjects: “it’s not something you settle for when alone. It’s something you can, and often should do, FIRST! (Also, a low-pressure activity you can do with a partner).” While this linked study indicates that sex with someone else is not necessarily prioritized over sex with oneself, research that investigates whether and/or how sexual subjects prioritize masturbation – as promoted by Zane – would also be a fascinating exploration. Any sex researchers out there need a new project?
