Masters and Johnson refers to the renowned American research team of William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson, who were pioneers in the field of human sexuality. Masters, a gynecologist, and Johnson, a psychologist, conducted groundbreaking studies on sexual response and functioning from the late 1950s through the early 1990s.
Their research explored various aspects of human sexual behavior, focusing particularly on the physiological and psychological responses to sexual stimuli. Masters and Johnson developed innovative methods, such as laboratory observation and measurement of sexual response, to collect data and advance the scientific understanding of human sexuality.
Their most notable contribution came with the publication of their book "Human Sexual Response" in 1966, which presented a comprehensive model of the sexual response cycle. This model described the four stages of sexual response: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. It provided a framework for understanding the physiological and psychological changes that occur during sexual arousal and the experiences of both males and females.
The duo also worked extensively on issues related to sexual dysfunction, pioneering therapeutic interventions for sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and orgasmic disorders. They developed a pioneering form of therapy known as "sensate focus," which aimed to enhance sexual pleasure and intimacy through gradual and systematic touch.
Masters and Johnson's work revolutionized the study of human sexuality, challenging societal taboos and contributing to the development of modern sexology. Their research provided a solid scientific foundation for understanding sexual response and helped in the development of effective treatments for sexual disorders, significantly influencing the field of sexual health.
