Factors Associated with Masturbation in a Collegiate Sample

Abstract This study examined masturbation experience (yes/no), frequency of masturbation in the past three months, and age at initiation of masturbation for 223 undergraduates who completed an anonymous survey. Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses were conducted and HIV risk was estimated using a mathematical model. Men were significantly more likely than women to have masturbated and reported a significantly greater mean masturbation frequency. For men, greater frequency of masturbation was predicted by perceived social norms supporting this behavior. For women, frequency of masturbation was best predicted by social norms and lifetime number of sex partners, whereas masturbation experience was predicted by perceived pleasure and lifetime number of sex partners. Women who first masturbated at a younger age were at higher risk for HIV. In sum, this study suggests that social norms, perceived pleasure, and sexual behavior are important mediators of masturbation experience and frequency.