Autoeroticism: Attitudes of Para Health students

1. Masturbation ,it is also called as orgasmic experience. 2.Orgasmic experience, is a distinctive

individuals conduct, habitually observed as an apt sexual outlet. It is also been linked variously
to untimely onset of sexual activity.

In India, masturbation is known to be connected with good feelings when viewpoint toward it is
positive. 3.Masterbation is an intricate subject to study because of the profound sensitivity of
participants to questions on the topic. It makes potential study participants very uncomfortable,
and masturbation is one of the least precisely reported sexual behavior as per the polygraph tests.
Even though accurate prevalence numbers are not easy to determine, we are aware that
masturbation is an enormously common human experience.

. 4. Generally, masturbation is practiced ranging from 10% to 33% among girls and 39.7% to
63% among boys .[3,5]. Nevertheless, girls also do practice masturbation. This may be due to the
actuality that only small number of them in fact report masturbation (12.7%) and much lesser
number of sexual activities (17.18%). As a result, it becomes more essential that educational
programs on sexuality should also focus with issues related to masturbation

. 5. Over the centuries, Indian boys have harboured feelings of guilt related with the Dhat
Syndrome, that compares/connects the loss of semen with loss of vital life-force.
Correspondingly, girls in India have to deal with diverse social structures and limitations
associated to the process of menstruation(Ref:

. 9.One study of interviews with 20 girls observed that a lot of them held negative views
towards masturbation and also of women who masturbated (Hogarth & Ingham, 2009).
The sexual category of a child as well appears to influence parental attitudes towards
masturbation.In one of the study, just under half, parents of sons, wanted their child to
have a positive attitude toward masturbation .On the other hand, only a third of parents of
daughters wanted them to have a positive attitude towards masturbation (Gagnon,
1985).Hardly any of the parents had dissused masturbation with their children and to
discuss the topic with boys it was common for parents. It was noted that even if the parents
did approve of their child masturbation, though it was not talked about it much, the child
was not likely to know it (Gagnon,1985) (Ref:

6.To a great extent existing research on masturbation has paid attention on gender differences
between men and women, with constant results that men masturbated more frequently than
women (Arafat & Cotton, 1974; Oliver & Hyde, 1993; Petersen & Hyde, 2011), women
experienced more disgrace (Kaestle & Allen, 2011), and have more negative attitude (Clark &
Wiederman, 2000) about masturbation when compared men.( Ref:
 8. Before marriage sexual activities are still considered as intolerable in orthodox and traditional
societies, consequently , it provides the only channels of sexual vent for adolescents. There
have been a small number of studies on masturbation among young boys and girls in India(ref:

. 11. Past study point out that including masturbation in sexuality education can improve
attitudes towards masturbation and throw light on myths or false beliefs
(LoPresto,Sherman,&Sherman,1985) Ref:

However, there is a death of data with reference on the attitudes of nursing students in Indian
society concerning sexual matters. Supplementary research is considered necessary to empathize
the outlook of nursing students towards masturbation.

Additionally, because women and men so rarely discuss masturbation with others (e.g., mothers,
friends, and partners), and because all women and men in our sample reported masturbating at
least once. In this context, the present study which is institution based, taken on to learn what
kind of perspective are likely to be coupled with masturbation (both optimistic and pessimistic
attitudes). In doing so, we contribute to a much-needed gap in the literature about women’s and
men's attitude towards masturbation.

INTRODUCTION REFRENCES:
11….Lo Presto, C. T., Sherman, M. F., & Sherman, N. C. (1985). The effects of a masturbation seminar on high school males’ attitudes, false
beliefs,guilt,andbehavior.JournalofSexResearch,21,142–156.

8… BHATIA, M.S. & MALIK, S.C. (1991) Dhat Syndrome: a useful diagnostic entity in Indian culture, British Journal of Psychiatry, 159, pp. 691-
695.

BHENDE, A. (1994) A study of sexuality of adolescent girls and boys in underprivileged groups in Bombay, Indian Journal of Social Work, 55, pp.
557-571.

SHARMA, V., SHARM.4, A., DAVE, S. & CHAuHAN, P. (1996) Sexual behaviour of adolescent boys-a cause for concern, Sexual and Marital
Therapy, 1 1, pp. 147-1 5 1. SHARMA, V. (1 996) The why and how of sex education in India (Editorial), Indian Journal of Maternal and Child
Health, 7, pp. 85-87. SHARMA, A. & SHARMA, V. (1996) Sexual knowledge and practices of college girls in rural Gujarat, India, Journal of Family
Welfare, 42, pp. 19-26.

SHARMA, V., SHARM.4, A., DAVE, S. & CHAuHAN, P. (1996) Sexual behaviour of adolescent boys-a cause for concern, Sexual and Marital
Therapy, 1 1, pp. 147-1 5 1.

SHARMA, V. (1 996) The why and how of sex education in India (Editorial), Indian Journal of Maternal and Child Health, 7, pp. 85-87.

SHARMA, A. & SHARMA, V. (1996) Sexual knowledge and practices of college girls in rural Gujarat, India, Journal of Family Welfare, 42, pp. 19-
26.
6…….. Abramson, P. R. (1973). The relationship of the frequency of masturbation to several aspects of personality and behavior. Journal of
Sex Research, 9, 132–142.

Arafat, I. S., & Cotton, W. L. (1974). Masturbation practices of males and females. Journal of Sex Research, 10, 293–307

Clark, C. A., & Wiederman, M. W. (2000). Gender and reactions to a hypothetical relationship partner’s masturbation and use of sexually explicit
media. Journal of Sex Research, 37, 133–141.

Kaestle, C. E., & Allen, K. R. (2011). The role of masturbation in healthy sexual development: Perceptions of young adults. Archives of Sexual
Behavior, 40, 983–994.

Oliver, M. B., & Hyde, J. S. (1993). Gender differences in sexuality: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 114, 29–51.

Petersen, J. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2011). Gender differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors: A review of meta-analytic results and large datasets.
Journal of Sex Research, 48, 149–165

9… Hogarth, H., & Ingham, R. (2009). Masturbation among young women and associations with sexual health: An exploratory study. Journal
of Sex Research, 46, 558–567.

Gagnon,J.H.(1985).Attitudes and responses of parents to pre-adolescent masturbation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 14, 451–466.

).

3.. Bradburn,N.M.,Sudman,S.,Blair,E.,&Stocking,C.(1978).Question threat and response bias. Public Opinion Quarterly, 42, 221–234.
Clark,J.P.,& Tifft,L.L.(1966).Polygraphandinterviewvalidation of self-reporteddeviantbehavior.AmericanSociologicalReview,31, 516–523.

Halpern, C. J. T., Udry, J. R., Suchindran, C., & Campbell, B. (2000). Adolescent males’ willingness to report masturbation. Journal of Sex
Research, 37, 327–332.

5.. GLJITA , M. (1994) Sexuality in the Indian sub-continent, Sexual and Marital Therapy, 9, pp. 57-69

SHARMA, V., SHARM.4, A., DAVE, S. & CHAuHAN, P. (1996) Sexual behaviour of adolescent boys-a cause for concern, Sexual and Marital
Therapy, 1 1, pp. 147-1 5 1.

SHARMA, V. (1 996) The why and how of sex education in India (Editorial), Indian Journal of Maternal and Child Health, 7, pp. 85-87.

SHARMA, A. & SHARMA, V. (1996) Sexual knowledge and practices of college girls in rural Gujarat, India, Journal of Family Welfare, 42, pp. 19-
26.)

4.. 3. Grover V. Sexual behaviour in a rural community of Delhi. Health and Population Perspectives and Issues.1999;22:156-67.
4. Lidster CA, Horsburgh ME. Masturbation – beyond myth and taboo. Nurs Forum 1994;29:18-27.
5. Leitenberg H, Detzer MJ, Srebnik D. Gender differences in masturbation and the relation of masturbation experience in preadolescence
and/or early adolescence to sexual adjustment in young adulthood. Arch Sex Behav 1993;22:87-93.

1…(Ref4. Lidster CA, Horsburgh ME. Masturbation – beyond myth and taboo. Nurs Forum 1994;29:18-27.

6. Smith AM, Rosenthal DA, Reicher H. High schooler’s masturbatory practices: Their relationship to sexual intercourse and personal
characteristics. Psychol Rep 1996;79:499-509.

7. Sathe AG, Sathe S. Knowledge and behavior and attitudes about adolescent sexuality amongst adolescents in Pune: A situational analysis. J
Fam Welfare 2005;51:49-59.)

RESULTS: FINAL:

SOCIO-DEMOGRPAHIC PROFILE:

A total of 100 subjects was studied of whom 50 were girls and 50 were boys. The study subject's socio-
demographic background showed that females (68%) outnumbered the males (61.30%) with the range
of 20-21 years age group and the least age of male( 13.3%) and female( 21.30%) group was below 19
years. Majority of the girls( 68%) and boys( 56%) belonged to Hindu religion followed by christian,male
(21.3% )and female (28%) respectively. Same percent ( 42.70%) of boys and girls were living in the urban
area and male ( 33.30%), female ( 32%) living in the rural area.And education status of the male student
were in 2nd year GNM (69.30%) when compared to B.Sc (30.70%) and most of the female were
studying B.Sc (69.30%) when compared to GNM 2nd year students( 30.70%) . The overall prevalence of
unmarried status of male and female was 100% and 96% respectively.

Table 1: SOCIO-DEMOGRPAHIC PROFILE

Variable Category Male no.(%) Female no.(%) Total no. (%)

Age group (in years) <19 13.3% 21.30%
20-21 61.30% 68%
>22 25.30% 10.70%
Religion Hindu 56% 68%
Christian 21.3% 28%
Muslim 22.70% 2.7%
Sikh 0% 1.30%
Domicile Urban 42.70 % 42.70%
Semi Urban 24% 25.30%
Rural 33.30% 32%
Education Gnm 2nd year 69.30% 30.70%
B.Sc 3rd Year 30.70% 69.30%
Marital Status Unmarried 100% 96%
Married 6% 4%
Table 2 scores shows that equally (10.7 %) girls and boys were sexually abused during their childhood.
At the age of 15 years (32%) boys remembered the sexual experience and girls 14 years( 21.30%).

72% of girls and 68% of the girls and boys sometimes were preoccupied with sex .With respect to
Masturbation,97.30% and 70.70% of boys and girls experienced masturbation and 29.30% of girls and
2.70% never done masturbation.

1.40%(10 years) of boys and 3.70%(14 years) of girls first had started masturbating and 61.60% of girls
and boys learnt masturbation via friends followed by 26% of boys and 25.90% of girls learnt by
themselves.

52.10% of boys and 35.20% of girls were unable to control hence started masturbating in their lives.
Approximately three quarters (72.60%) of boys and 59.30% of girls masturbated by using hands.

39.70% of boys and 37 % of girls participants reported that they masturbated weekly once .Boys and
girls, reported that they always experienced orgasm during masturbation, 61.60% and 38.90%
respectively. 90.70 % of girls and 82.20% of boys reported mutual masturbation.

45.20% of boys felt relaxed while masturbating and 40.70% of girls felt shameful.

Belied associated with masturbation among boys and girls were normal a significant majority( 72% )
and 59.50% respectively.

91.40% of girls and 73.30% of boys had no history of sexual relationship , but 26.70% of boys and 8.60%
of girls had sexual relationship.

54.70% of boys 45.20% of girls reported the importance of sex in life followed by 41.30% of boys and
Just over a third (35.60%) of girls reported that sex in life is very important.

Table 3. Comparison of attitudes between male and females:

Gender N Mean Std. Deviation T vale significance

Male 75 87.4800 9.88633 2.831
P<0.01
Female 75 91.7467 8.51881

The analysis of data revealed no significant difference between male and female attitude towards
masturbation(P<0.01)

NEW LIMITATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS:

Limitations and Future Directions

1.As with all sexuality research involving self-selected community samples, our study had some
limitations worth noting. This study debarred more traditional and reserved girls and boys and
emphasized girls and boys whose openness to sexuality stood at the forefront of their decision to
participate.

2. Our study included GNM and B.Sc students where knowledge and ideologies of the students with
GNM course may differ with students of B.Sc. course. Difference between GNM and B.SC may differ
when it comes to masturbation subject. Should have included only Bachelor degree students or
midwifery nursing degree students separetly rather than combining .

3. Our study subjects are with different domicile. Disparity between urban and rural boys and girls
may prove vital when discussing delicate subjects like masturbation and sexual pleasure.

4. One of the primary limitations of this research was that it did not include same age group. The
highest age of the respondents were between 20-21.

8.Study on sexual behaviour is subjected to both social stigma and recall, few individuals might have
under or over reported their response to the questions which is difficult to verify. Due to the social
stigma attached to the sexual behaviour, there is no adequate space for exploring the factors depth in
this study.

5. Should have made students girls and boys to sit separately away from each other while answering
the questionnaires. Some of the students had discussed with other students related to questionnaire
and may be not providing the original information due to the social stigma attached to the sexual
behavior.

6. Some of the students could not understand certain terms and statements in the standardized
questionnaire, which could have let to the under reporting of sexual behaviour.

7. The educational, intelligent background and understanding of the terms used in questionnaires
could have been difficult to some of the participation and left the questions unanswered intentionally
and some must have given wrong answers.

8.This study restricted to only the important variables.

SUGGESTIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS:

1. In general, the findings of this study have implications for sexuality education taught within school
systems and by parents.

2.it is important for parents to teach their children positive lessons about masturbation, specifically
during the children''s high school years- a time of important maturational changes and possible
increase in begnining of sexual activity.
3.Parents should also lay emphasis on the positive lessons of obtaining and using birth control, as well
as the name and function of reproductive organs to have the most insightful effect on future positive
masturbation attitudes.

4. Parents should refrain from and limit the teaching negative lessons about masturbation and
sexuality to children because these lessons predict negative views about masturbation later in life.

5.Teachers , and parents should carefully construct and plan sexuality education programms for
children that gives attention on the positive aspects of masturbation.

6.Our findings reiterate the significance of incorporation of some form of sex education in the school
curriculum

7. More research is needed into the influence of gender, religion, culture on masturbation issues.

8. In order to gain better grasp on more about sexual behaviour, it would be helpful to expand the
participant pool to students at other colleges.