“It’s What Boys Do”: Valence, Source, and Content of Black Men’s Masturbation Messages

In recent years, masturbation has become a less stigmatized topic and practice, suggesting a change in the masturbation messages that are communicated. Boys and men have often received neutral or positive messages about masturbation from their social networks and media; however, Black men’s masturbation socialization has yet to be examined. As a function of marginalized race and privileged gender, Black men occupy a unique standpoint that may influence the valence and content of the masturbation messages they receive. This study employed exploratory sequential mixed methods to analyze data from 149 Black cismen about the masturbation messages they received. The analysis revealed six themes: (a) masturbation is shameful, (b) masturbation is sinful, (c) masturbation is a sign of inadequacy, (d) masturbation is a normal, healthy part of manhood, (e) masturbation messages change as a function of age, and (f) masturbation has pros and cons. By focusing on message valence, sexual socialization, and identity, this research informs the theoretical understanding of masturbation messages and provides insight into Black men’s sexual development.