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The Motives for Solo Masturbation Scale: Development and Preliminary Validation
David C de Jong1, Katie N Adams2
1Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, USA.
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
|August 19, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a new 24-item scale to assess eight distinct motives for solo masturbation. This validated measure helps clarify the complex relationship between masturbation and overall well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Solo masturbation is common in adulthood, but its impact on well-being is debated.
- Existing tools for measuring masturbation motives are insufficient, hindering research.
- Understanding diverse motives is key to resolving conflicting findings on masturbation and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a psychometrically sound measure for assessing solo masturbation motives.
- To identify and confirm distinct motivational factors underlying solo masturbation.
Main Methods:
- A large sample of 2960 adults (18-84 years) who masturbated in the past year completed a novel item set.
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the underlying motive structure.
- Measurement invariance was tested across gender and relationship status.
Main Results:
- Eight distinct motives for solo masturbation were identified: Fantasy, Pleasure/Arousal, Compulsion, Improvement, Sexual Dissatisfaction, Coping, Efficiency, and Avoidance of Risky Sex.
- The resulting 24-item scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties and reliability.
- Preliminary validity was supported by correlations with related psychological and sexual constructs.
Conclusions:
- A new, reliable, and valid 24-item measure for assessing eight solo masturbation motives has been developed.
- This scale offers a valuable tool for future research into the complex relationship between masturbation, its motives, and psychological well-being.
- Further research is recommended to explore the applications and refine the measure.
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