Social norms greatly influence our opinions and attitudes about masturbation. In American society, Psychology Today states that people tend to view masturbation “as a sexual refuge for singles” who try to “compensate for the lack of sex” (Castleman) and gives others the impression that those who masturbate inferior or incapable of having sexual intercourse. However, Castleman's article references a survey conducted by the University of Chicago that disputes this theory and instead suggests that "a sexless relationship [will] suppress masturbation" (Castleman). Historically, masturbation was thought to lead to serious medical side effects; however this is not the case. While more and more doctors were medically proving that masturbation is not physically harmful, others were trying to support the idea that masturbation could have positive health effects. Both of these factors lead to a greater normalization of masturbation today. The media plays a considerable role in the sexual education and opinions of our society. More commonly, the stigma that masturbation is an inferior or weak sexual act often crosses television and computer screens. For example, both “That 70s Show” and “Seinfeld” suggest that those who give up or fail to be “masters of their own domain” (Chaney) are substandard compared to the rest of society. Physical evidence that masturbation and sexual pleasure are positive behaviors appears to be more evident now than ever. Not only is the act exciting, but serotonin and adrenaline also “run through your body” (Daniels), significantly boosting mood. Furthermore, many researchers argue that people who masturbate have a heightened sense of what satisfies them sexually, which often leads to better intimacy with a partner (...... middle of paper ...... t introduce in their sessions. However, I fear that not all participants will be completely honest and sincere due to the stigmas inherent in our society. Works Cited Castleman, Michael. “All About Sex,” March 30, 2009. Psychology Today, February 1, 2012. Chaney. , Jen. "'Seinfeld,' Four: It's Real and It's Spectacular." May 17, 2005. The WashingtonPost, February 2, 2012. Daniels, Chris and Jes Levatter "Masturbation's Key to Healthy, Functional Sexual Relationships." January 31, 2012. Dolphin, Lambert. Masturbation and the Bible, March 5, 1991. January 31, 2012. Wells, Ken R. "Masturbation". 2012.