Depiction of masturbation in North American movies

Abstract

Although masturbation is one of the most common sexual behaviours, ambivalent cultural attitudes toward this behaviour persist. We examined how masturbation is portrayed in popular North American movies as a means of documenting current social norms regarding masturbation. The sample consisted of 44 movies from 2005 to 2010 in which a target character was shown masturbating. Coders assessed several aspects of these portrayals, including the positivity of the scene, initiating factors (e.g., watching pornography, boredom), and the outcome of the masturbation (e.g., interruption, sexual relief). As well, we explored potential gender differences in these portrayals. Masturbation was generally shown in a somewhat negative light, especially when engaged in by male characters. It was portrayed as a substitute for preferred partnered sex and as often leading to negative outcomes such as being caught or interrupted. The results suggest that movie portrayals of masturbation may reinforce misconceptions about masturbation and its outcomes.