Masters and Johnson

Masters and Johnson were two pioneering researchers, William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson, in the field of human sexuality. Their work in the mid-20th century was instrumental in a sexual revolution that challenged traditional norms around sex and helped to usher in a new era of openness and understanding about sexual health and relationships.

Background

William H. Masters, a gynecologist, and Virginia E. Johnson, a psychologist, began their work together in the late 1950s at Washington University in St. Louis. Their research was groundbreaking in its approach to studying human sexual response and sexual disorders, which was largely taboo at the time.

Research and Findings

Masters and Johnson conducted extensive research on the physiology of human sexual intercourse. They observed hundreds of individuals engage in sexual activity in their laboratory and recorded their physiological responses. Their findings, published in the 1966 book Human Sexual Response, detailed the four stages of sexual response, which they termed the human sexual response cycle: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

In addition to their research on the sexual response cycle, Masters and Johnson also conducted pioneering research on sexual disorders. They developed a two-week therapy program for sexual dysfunction, which was revolutionary at the time. Their approach to treating sexual dysfunction was based on the idea that most sexual problems were the result of ignorance, fear, and anxiety, rather than physical issues.

Legacy

The work of Masters and Johnson has had a profound impact on the field of sexology and has greatly influenced our understanding of human sexuality. Their research challenged societal norms and taboos around sex, and their therapy program has helped countless individuals and couples overcome sexual dysfunction.

Despite some criticism and controversy over their methods and findings, Masters and Johnson remain two of the most influential figures in the field of human sexuality. Their work continues to be a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and individuals seeking to understand and improve their sexual health and relationships.

See Also

• Human Sexual Response
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Sexology
• Sexual Revolution