Masturbation Encyclopedia Article

Masturbation

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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

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Masturbation

The erotic stimulation of one's own genitals.

Between 60 and 90% of adolescent boys and 40% of girls masturbate. Although people's attitudes about masturbation differ widely, there is no evidence that masturbation is in any way physically harmful. For many people, masturbation is an opportunity for private sexual exploration before deciding whether to engage in sexual activity with another person.

For Further Study

Books

McCoy, Kathy, and Charles Wibbelsman. The New Teenage Body Book. New York: The Body Press (Putnam), 1992.