Abstract
Masturbation is a variant of sexual expression and has no known causal relation with sexual disorders. Literature is still scarce in studies addressing particularities of female masturbation and its associations. The aim of this study was to investigate female masturbation in a Brazilian sample. The objectives were also analyzing the associations and correlations between masturbation and different variables, including body image. A total of 2408 Brazilian women (mean age 27.78 years) answered a 70-item online survey based on literature review, standardized questionnaires (Female Sexual Quotient, Body Image Guilt and Shame Scale- Brazilian version and Body Appreciation Scale-2) and questions from previous studies on female masturbation. The most prevalent masturbation frequency reported was two or three times a week (29.91%), and “reduce stress” was a common motivation to engage in masturbation (48.28%). There was a positive correlation between masturbation frequency and sexual satisfaction (Rho = 0.16, p < 0.001). It was observed that higher masturbation frequency was correlated with lower body shame (Rho = − 0.06, p = 0.001) and body guilt (Rho = − 0.07, p < 0.001). Moreover, body appreciation was positively correlated with masturbation frequency (Rho = 0.10, p < 0.001). It is important noting that the present correlations were weak and do not imply a necessary cause-effect link. Masturbation has been demonstrated to be an important component of female libido, not simply a sexual partner substitute.
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de Lima, T.E.O., Dissenha, R.P., Skare, T.L. et al. Masturbatory Behavior and Body Image: A Study Among Brazilian Women. Sexuality & Culture 26, 474–490 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-021-09903-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-021-09903-z