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Cited by 200Sexuality, Behavior, and TechnologySexual function and dysfunction studiesMarriage and Sexual Relationships

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 45 of the 48 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors in a British National Probability Survey

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Gerressu, Makeda, Mercer, Catherine H., Graham, Cynthia A., Wellings, Kaye, Johnson, Anne M.·2008·Archives of Sexual Behavior
DOI 10.1007/s10508-006-9123-6
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Abstract

A stratified probability sample survey of the British general population, aged 16 to 44 years, was conducted from 1999 to 2001 (N = 11,161) using face-to-face interviewing and computer-assisted self-interviewing. We used these data to estimate the population prevalence of masturbation, and to identify sociodemographic, sexual behavioral, and attitudinal factors associated with reporting this behavior. Seventy-three percent of men and 36.8% of women reported masturbating in the 4 weeks prior to interview (95% confidence interval 71.5%-74.4% and 35.4%-38.2%, respectively). A number of sociodemographic and behavioral factors were associated with reporting masturbation. Among both men and women, reporting masturbation increased with higher levels of education and social class and was more common among those reporting sexual function problems. For women, masturbation was more likely among those who reported more frequent vaginal sex in the last four weeks, a greater repertoire of sexual activity (such as reporting oral and anal sex), and more sexual partners in the last year. In contrast, the prevalence of masturbation was lower among men reporting more frequent vaginal sex. Both men and women reporting same-sex partner(s) were significantly more likely to report masturbation. Masturbation is a common sexual practice with significant variations in reporting between men and women.

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Barbey, M. A. (1991). Switzerland's videotext computer sex education programme. Planned Parenthood in Europe, 20, 22–23.
  2. International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Office for East, South East Asia and Oceania Region (ESEAOR). (1996). Teenagers’ concerns about sex. People and Development Challenges, 3, 11–12.
  3. Royal College of Physicians, Psychiatrists and General Practitioners. (1995). Alcohol and the heart in perspective: Sensible limits reaffirmed. London: Royal College of Physicians, Psychiatrists and General Practitioners.

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Metadata

Authors
Gerressu, M., Mercer, C. H., Graham, C. A., Wellings, K., & Johnson, A. M.
Affiliations
  • Mortimer Market Centre (GB)
  • Warneford Hospital (GB)
  • London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (GB)
Corresponding author
Gerressu, Makeda
ORCID
Venue
Archives of Sexual Behavior
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2007-02-27
Volume
37
Issue
2
Pages
266-278
ISSN
  • 0004-0002 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-2800
DOI
10.1007/s10508-006-9123-6
OpenAlex
W1984855522
Semantic Scholar
0f84f6d008b9f6c88f354d8c0b36994e87133365
Cited by
200
References
48
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 8
FWCI
4.37
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Archives of Sexual Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Brunel University Research Archive (BURA) (Brunel University London) (submittedVersion)
  • ePrints Soton (University of Southampton) (submittedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
  • LSHTM Research Online (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Medical Research Council
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Marriage and Sexual Relationships
Keywords
masturbation, prevalence, sexual behavior, sociodemographic factors, vaginal intercourse, sexual partners, same-sex couples, gender differences, sexual health attitudes, British population
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Coitus, Female, United Kingdom, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Masturbation, Surveys and Questionnaires, Sex Factors, Sexual Partners, Socioeconomic Factors, Incidence, Heterosexuality

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