What Does Research Tell Us About Women’s Experiences, Motives and Perceptions of Masturbation Within a Relationship Context?: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Abstract

This systematic review provides an overview of what qualitative research has revealed about partner-related factors around women’s masturbation and explores how these factors relate to women’s behavior, perceptions, and motives toward masturbation. Eleven studies were identified and secondary thematic analysis was used for synthesis. Women’s perceptions often focus on the (potential) negative influences of masturbation on current or future relationships. Motivations some women reported for masturbating due to partner-related factors were diverse. Findings suggested that some women modify their masturbation behavior when in a relationship. The implications of these findings for sexual health educators and clinicians are discussed.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Breanne Fahs for helpful feedback on the protocol for this review, Ms. Aikaterini-Maria Litsou for her assistance with selection and quality assessment of the studies and the two anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The first author’s PhD studentship funding was provided by the Republic of Turkey-Ministry of National Education.