May I ask more two questions regarding my two cases of masturbation in the school which I described you recently? I have read your explanations many times. You cannot imagine how I respect your expertise. Once again, thank you so much!

These 2 questions came to me only now, and I am very sorry that I am writing you again.

1) It relates with your second posting. You answered: “Stress and anxiety of any kind create normal body reactions that are closely related to sexual tension. For you to reach down, touch yourself (even unconsciously) and have an orgasm was such a normal reaction for someone…I ask YOU, why should anyone say that you should be shamed since the expression is so very normal”.

I read in some books that to use of masturbation as a stress reduction technique is considered as sexual compulsive behavior. Is it correct? Is this definition relates to my these cases?

2) Another question: As I indicated, masturbation was done secretly by intention and actually, nobody could notice and noticed; however, it was done in school (public place). Are these cases considered as the private activity or public one?

Thank you so much for your wisdom, understanding, expertise and time.

"I read in some books that to use of masturbation as a stress reduction technique is considered as sexual compulsive behavior. Is it correct? Is this definition relates to my these cases?"

There is much disagreement about this in the world of sexual psychology. Keep in mind that we live presently in a world that has more repressive views of sexual behaviors, and that there are behaviors today that would have been more acceptable a few years ago. It seems that some psychologists are writing that when you use masturbation to relieve tension that it is compulsion. I am from the other school of thought that says that is not at all accurate. Most of the sexual tension that we have, whether through sexual arousal or from other stresses and anxiety, can easily be relieved and there is no compulsion. It is natural. If you feel tense, then relieve it. Where it may become compulsion to some people is when it gets in the way of their daily functioning, and when the person has no real control over the behavior. I am not even sure that I agree with this definition, because I think we all relieve tension in varying ways and sexual release is just as healthy and appropriate as other ways that are used, such as drinking alcohol and using drugs.

2) Another question: As I indicated, masturbation was done secretly by intention and actually, nobody could notice and noticed; however, it was done in school (public place). Are these cases considered as the private activity or public one?

And as far as your case goes, even though you were in a public place, you were doing it secretly so no one saw it or was aware. That makes it private. When the books speak of public place, they often mean for it to be seen and noticed by others. For example, there are people who masturbate while driving a car hoping that someone in a nearby truck or higher place will see them. The car is actually private but the event of masturbation is done for public to see.

I hope this helps answer your questions. Thank you for writing again.

Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team