In the history of sexual research, the first names that appear are often Sigmund Freud, Alfred Kinsey or William Masters. However, history tends to overlook important women and people of color who are equally indispensable in the field. For example, Virginia Johnson was an equal partner with William Masters in some of the most seminal studies and publications in the field of sexual research. In this article, we would like to highlight the story and work of Virginia Johnson.
Early Life:
Born in Missouri in 1925, Johnson defied conservative norms of gender and sexuality early in life. In an era when that was rare, Johnson was married and divorced twice and was a working single mother before 30. Her entry into the field of sexology was equally unconventional. Johnson was an accomplished musician and aspiring country singer before being hired as William Masters’ Obstetrics and Gynecology secretary at Washington University in St. Louis, where Masters secretly conducted research on sexuality.
Cooperation:
Masters realized he needed a female perspective to fill in the gaps in his knowledge and a female presence to make his research participants more comfortable. After learning more about his controversial research, Johnson happily responded, perhaps influenced by her early experiences with sex and relationships. Masters took Johnson under his wing and trained her in medical terminology, treatment techniques, and research methods. Johnsons strong ideas made her a crucial part of Masters research and she soon became an equal partner in Masters and Johnson group, known as the Masters of Sex.
Contributions:
Virginia Johnson’s work was particularly important in challenging social assumptions about female sexuality. At the time, women were often thought to be sexually passive and that any sexual dysfunction stemmed solely from psychological issues. Masters and Johnson differentiated themselves in the field of sexual research by using a purely clinical approach, as opposed to the interview style of Alfred Kinsey. They created innovative methodologies to measure normal sexual responses, which were able to dispel previous myths and show that women could have active sexual desires and responses. Their extensive research has led to many successful publications such as “Human Sexual Response” (1966) and “Human Sexual Impotence» (1970). These works provided ground-breaking insights into the nature of sexual responses and difficulties.
In addition to research, Johnson showed a special interest in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. With Johnson taking the lead, Masters and Johnson created the “dual therapy” model and the “sensory focus” exercises, which are still widely used in sex therapy today. They also introduced the method of sexual surrogacy to treat sexual dysfunction. Johnson’s personal communication skills made the participants much more direct and comfortable, making her an essential factor in the success of these trials. Although controversial, the results of these treatments were groundbreaking, and Johnson was instrumental in communicating with the public and media that pushed their research.
Legacy:
Virginia Johnson’s seminal contributions to sex research have deepened our understanding of human sexuality and paved the way for future studies. Her holistic approach to sex research helped destigmatize discussions of sex and created more societal acceptance of the need for sex research. She was very responsible for the inclusion of women and women’s perspectives in sex research and helped countless couples heal sexual dysfunction. Johnson’s journey from secretary to leading sex researcher is a testament to her determination, intelligence and pioneering spirit. As we continue to explore the complexities of sexuality, its legacy continues to influence sex research and therapy.
Bibliographical references:
- Masters, WH, & Johnson, VE (1966). Human Sexual Response. Little, Brown and Company.
- Masters, WH, & Johnson, VE (1970). Human Sexual Impotence. Little, Brown and Company.
- Maier, T. (2009). Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the Couple Who Taught America How to Love. Basic Books.
Image credit: Leonard McComb and Bettmann/Corbin; collage made with Canva
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