Male masturbation and sexual well-being.

This article examines masturbation frequency, motivations, and sexual well-being among 1,578 cisgender men, comparing single men to those in partnered relationships. Findings reveal that motivations for masturbation are both sexual and non-sexual, with men in relationships reporting higher sexual well-being indicators—such as more positive genital image and feelings toward masturbation—despite masturbating less frequently than single men. Sexual well-being variables, including genital image, positive feelings, solitary desire, and pain/discomfort, significantly predicted masturbation frequency, suggesting a possible "optimal" masturbation frequency associated with better sexual well-being. The study highlights the complexity of masturbation beyond purely sexual motivations and underscores the need for nuanced clinical and research approaches, while noting limitations related to sample homogeneity, cross-sectional design, and unmeasured factors like relationship satisfaction and pornography use.