Work

The Global Measure of Masturbation Satisfaction (GMMAST): Scale Development and Preliminary Validation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Solo masturbation is a common sexual behavior, but its role in well-being is poorly understood. One reason is that the extant literature has generally focused on how engagement in masturbation (e.g., in the past 4 weeks) relates to well-being while neglecting how the subjective experience of masturbation (e.g., as valuable and positive or not) might impact well-being. This report describes the development of the brief, 5-item Global Measure of Masturbation Satisfaction (GMMAST). The measure was developed using a sample of 2,486 adults who had masturbated in the past month, drawn from the Masturbation and Sexual Health Survey, a U.S. national survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and tests of measurement invariance suggest the scale has strong psychometric properties. Associations with related constructs (e.g., positive and negative masturbation attitudes, masturbation motives, receipt of sexual education) provide preliminary evidence of validity.

Source: Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy

DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2026.2750927

Authors: David C. de Jong, Nantje Fischer, Maximiliane Uhlich

Institutions: Western Carolina University, University of Oslo, University of Basel

Language: English

Topic: Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Columbia University, Western Carolina University