self-stimulation
Touching oneself sexually
Self-stimulation is any activity where someone provides their own sensory or physical stimulation.
The term often refers to masturbation, though clinical contexts use it more broadly—a child rocking rhythmically or an autistic person engaging in repetitive movements may be described as self-stimulating.
The therapist noted the patient's self-stimulation behaviors.
Self-stimulation for pleasure
- autoeroticismSelf-stimulation for pleasure
- orgasmPeak sexual pleasure
- arousalStirring to heightened state
- fantasyImaginative mental wandering
libido · intimacy · private · sexuality · erogenous · climax · release · solo
Repetitive self-regulatory behavior
- rockingOscillating on curved base
- fidgetingRestless minor movements
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- autismNeurodevelopmental processing difference
neurodivergent · regulation · vestibular · proprioceptive · chewing · humming · tapping · pacing
Reward-linked neural messenger
- reward circuitNeural system governing motivation
- neurofeedbackBrain activity self-training technique
- electrodeConductive interface point
- transcranialThrough the skull
cortical · neuroplasticity · synaptic · excitation · photosensitivity · biofeedback · meditation · brainwave
Desire from within oneself
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- initiativeSelf-directed action capacity
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- goal-settingEstablishing intended outcomes
internal drive · willpower · discipline · mindset · determination
masturbation
Self-stimulation for pleasure
- autoeroticismSelf-stimulation for pleasure
- orgasmPeak sexual pleasure
- arousalStirring to heightened state
fantasy · libido · intimacy · private · sexuality · erogenous · climax · release · solo · gratification
stimming
Repetitive self-regulatory behavior
autism · neurodivergent · regulation · vestibular · proprioceptive · chewing · humming · tapping · pacing · hair twirling
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- reward circuitNeural system governing motivation
- neurofeedbackBrain activity self-training technique
- electrodeConductive interface point
transcranial · cortical · neuroplasticity · synaptic · excitation · photosensitivity · biofeedback · meditation · brainwave · endorphin release
intrinsic motivation
Desire from within oneself
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- initiativeSelf-directed action capacity
- proactiveActing before problems arise
internal drive · goal-setting · willpower · discipline · mindset · determination
self-stimulationself-restraint
Voluntary impulse control
self-control · self-discipline · abstinence · self-denial · temperance
self-stimulationsensory deprivation
Blocking all external stimuli
understimulation · numbness · anhedonia · boredom · apathy