An exploratory study of marianismo and masturbation among cisgender mono-ethnic Latinas in the USA

Despite the documented benefits of masturbation, cisgender Latina women remain underrepresented in research on self-pleasure. Values rooted in colonialism and Catholicism, particularly the gendered construct of marianismo, may strongly shape sexual attitudes and behaviours. This exploratory study examined the relationship between marianismo, as measured by the Marianismo Beliefs Scale (MBS), masturbation guilt and frequency among cisgender Latinas in the USA. One hundred and fifty self-identified Latina/Chicana/Hispanic cisgender women living in the USA completed an online survey including the MBS and the Negative Attitudes Towards Masturbation Inventory. Responses on four of the five marianismo subscales (Family Pillar, Virtuous and Chaste, Spiritual Pillar and Silencing Self to Maintain Harmony) were positively associated with masturbation guilt. Although responses on these subscales did not directly predict masturbation frequency, greater guilt was significantly linked to reduced masturbation frequency. These findings suggest that scripts promoting self-sacrifice, chastity, and spiritual purity may indirectly limit sexual agency and self-exploration among cisgender Latinas. The study adds to the literature advocating for the exploration of gendered beliefs in understandings of sexuality and highlights how internalised values influence intimate behaviours.