ABSTRACT
The suspicion of body and pleasure is the idea that unrestrained sex is dangerous and that sexual pleasure should be limited to prevent it from leading to a loss of control. The logical conclusion of such a framework can lead to a deprivation of touch itself. The significant impact of sexual guilt and shame and suspicion of pleasure impacts one’s approach to self-pleasure and one’s ability to appreciate personal sexual desires and fantasies. Modern sexual knowledge suggests however that each person is responsible for their own pleasure, that sexual pleasure has many positive health outcomes and is associated with relational and personal satisfaction, and that the most satisfying sexual relationships are when partners are personally empowered. Such a position of freedom is consistent with scientific findings.
