Sexuality in an aged sample: cognitive determinants of masturbation.

The examination of sexual activity in old age has typically meant a consideration of sexual intercourse. Masturbation has not received a rigorous investigation with respect to the elderly, despite benefits that may be associated with this form of sexual expression. The present study reports on the relationship of masturbation with locus of control, sexual status, and sexual knowledge as part of a more general but intensive study of an elderly sample. Results indicated that the best predictor of frequency of masturbation was locus of control, while sexual status and sexual knowledge contributed somewhat less to the variance explained in frequency of masturbation. Specifically, the data support the conclusion that internals masturbate more than externals, particularly internals with high sexual knowledge and persons without sexual partners may have a slight tendency to masturbate more often than those with partners.