Abstract: Masturbation with its numerous health benefits is an integral aspect of most people’s sexuality and is typically observed across all stages of life. However, longitudinal studies exploring the frequencies of masturbation across major life phases are lacking. We examined the development of masturbation frequencies from ages 19–50 via multilevel growth curve modeling with a longitudinal population-based sample of 2,562 individuals. For women, masturbation frequency gradually increased until they were in their early 30s, followed by a slight decline. In contrast, men’s masturbation practices remained largely stable across the investigated age span. Masturbation trajectories did not change for either gender when controlling for the frequency of partnered sex. However, accounting for partnership status and the frequency of sexual fantasizing changed the trajectories for men, but not for women. Compared to those who became parents, individuals who remained childless presented a greater increase in masturbation frequency until approximately age 30, followed by a greater subsequent decline. Participants with nonheterosexual sexual identity masturbated more frequently than did strictly heterosexual individuals, across all ages. Masturbation trajectories did not differ significantly across religious affiliation and educational attainment. Collectively, these findings suggest the autonomous nature of masturbation as a sexual activity in relation to the frequency of partnered sex but also underscore the importance of individual life circumstances and one’s sexuality in shaping its expression throughout adulthood. Future research should further investigate the dynamics among partnered sexual practices, sexual and relational problems, and masturbation.

Abstract: There is limited research into the morphology of sex toys, and specifically into (the often phallic-shaped) vibrators and dildos and what they may represent in terms of user preferences for male genital morphology. This study provides insight into consumer preference around vaginally insertable sex toys, their features, and what contributes to their popularity. Using a data set compiling information from the world's largest online sexual wellness retailer Lovehoney, we examined the dimensions, price, and morphological features of 265 sex toys designed for vaginal insertion to determine what contributes to item popularity. Using regression models, we found that realistic features did not predict item popularity, whereas price (p

Abstract: This article investigates contemporary LGBTQ romance in which the central couple has a queered betrothal that results in nonmarriage. Drawing on examinations of romance plot tropes, including Regis’s eight essential elements and Roach’s claim that the ending to romance is key, as well as queer theory, I demonstrate how the nonproposal offers a queering of romance that differs from homonormative same-sex romance. In the case study of the feature film Bros, this is achieved by one character asking the other to date and reassess in a few months, an anti-proposal that follows the conventions of a traditional marriage proposal. In the novel Husband Material, the central couple runs away from their own wedding because it does not feel like the right expression of their love. Unlike traditional romance narrative patterns that reaffirm social conventions and normative values, these queered anti-betrothals allow for more individualistic expressions that still offer the reader or viewer an emotionally satisfying romance ending.