Prevalence, Frequency, and Associations of Masturbation With Partnered Sexual Behaviors Among US Adolescents

Abstract

Participants: Nationally representative samples of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years. Main Outcome Measures: Solo masturbation, partnered sexual behaviors, and condom use. Results: Across age groups, more males (73.8%) reported masturbation than females (48.1%). Among males, masturbation occurrence increased with age: at age 14 years, 62.6% of males reported at least 1 prior occurrence, whereas 80% of 17-year-old males reported ever having masturbated. Recent masturbation also increased with age in males: 67.6% of 17-year-olds reported masturbation in the past month, compared with 42.9% of 14-year-olds. In females, prior masturbation increased with age (58% at age 17 years compared with 43.3% at age 14 years), but recent masturbation did not. Masturbation was associated with numerous partnered sexual behaviors in both males and females. In males, masturbation was associated with condom use, but in females it was not. Conclusions: Sexual development is a dynamic process during adolescence, and masturbation is an enduring component of sexuality. Fundamental differences appear to exist between male and female sexual expression. Health care providers should recognize that many teens masturbate and discuss masturbation with patients because masturbation is integral to normal sexual development.

Prevalence of sexual activity in older Malaysian adolescents and associated factors

“…A similar association was found in a local study conducted in Selangor state and in an international study in the United States [16,33]. Masturbation is another sensitive issue to be discussed openly.…”

Puberty and adolescent sexuality

“…Retrospective studies suggest average ages of 13 and 15 years for men and women, respectively (Pinkerton, Bogart, Cecil, & Abramson, 2002). The prevalence of masturbation in the past three months increases with age among adolescent men: about 43% of 14 year olds report masturbation in the past 90 days compared to 67% of 17 year olds (Robbins et al, 2011). In contrast, the percentages of 14 and 17 year old women reporting masturbation in the past 90 days are quite similar at about 36% for both ages (Robbins et al, 2011).…”

“…The prevalence of masturbation in the past three months increases with age among adolescent men: about 43% of 14 year olds report masturbation in the past 90 days compared to 67% of 17 year olds (Robbins et al, 2011). In contrast, the percentages of 14 and 17 year old women reporting masturbation in the past 90 days are quite similar at about 36% for both ages (Robbins et al, 2011). Lifetime prevalence of masturbation, however, continues to increase into young adulthood, with prevalence highest among those aged 25–34 (Gerressu, Mercer, Graham, Wellings, & Johnson, 2008).…”

Masturbation Experience: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students in Bangladesh

“…A study of US adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years found the prevalence of masturbation was higher among males (Robbins, 2011). Based on results of a meta-analysis from 177 sources, males aged over 18 years showed more positive attitudes towards masturbation than females, whereas females aged below 18 had more positive attitudes than males under 18 (Oliver & Hyde, 1993).…”