Views on masturbation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

[1]: 94–109 [2][3] This denomination within Mormonism places great emphasis on the sexual behavior of Mormon adherents as a commitment to follow the law of chastity is required for baptism,[4] and adherence is required to receive a temple recommend,[5] and is part of the temple endowment ceremony covenants devout participants promise by oath to keep.

"[8][9] Before serving full-time missions, young adults are required to abandon the practice as it is believed to be a gateway sin that dulls sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

"[77][78] Based on the surveys of LDS students and married women spanning 1950 to 1995 along with a 2001 survey of 55 active LDS individuals, the summary in Mallan and Bullough's 2005 review stated the data indicate "a majority of Mormon Church member’s attitudes and behavior are at odds with the modern church policy of [masturbation] abstinence.

[24]: 84 One LDS therapist believed the self-reported numbers were too low,[79] and underreporting due to the social-desirability bias is a common issue even among anonymous surveys of many stigmatized sexual behaviors.

[80][81] Despite well-documented individual, relational, and health benefits, sexual self-stimulation remains understudied in comparison to partnered sex, and has been stigmatized especially for women.

Bruce McConkie's 1958 book was the first major publication outlining church teachings on masturbation.

The pamphlet reprint of Packer's 1976 General Conference address on masturbation. ^{[

96

]}

The 1990 edition of the " For the Strength of Youth " pamphlet explicitly forbade masturbation. ^{[

1

]} ^{: 101–102}