High schoolers masturbatory practices: their relationship to sexual intercourse and personal characteristics

This study examined the self-reported masturbatory experiences of high schooler and the relationships between masturbation and sexual intercourse and personal characteristics of these young people. A total of 436 suburban Australian adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age participated. Boys were more likely to report ever having masturbated (58.5%, versus 42.7%) and to have done so more frequently than girls (38.2% versus 8.7% reporting masturbating three or more times a week). While there was no significant sex difference in the age of initiation of masturbation there was some evidence that girls began masturbation earlier than boys. Whether sexual intercourse replaced or supplemented masturbation as a sexual practice could not be resolved, but there was evidence that masturbation was positively correlated with sexual self esteem. Young people whose parents provided a more open environment for the discussion of sexuality were more likely to report having masturbated, although the environment had a complex relationship with masturbatory practices as did young people's self rated physical maturity compared to their peers. A range of social and contextual factors must be explored to understand more fully this important component of young people's sexual experience.

Masturbation in prepubescent children: a case report and review of the literature

A 10-year-old girl observed to have episodes of flushing, pallor and weakness, was referred for investigation of possible carcinoid syndrome. The cause of these episodes was masturbation. Masturbation occurs at all ages and in most cases is considered normal behaviour. Lack of recognition of this phenomenon in children may lead to unnecessary investigations and treatment.

Female perversion: scenes and strategies in analysis and culture

The author presents some ideas derived from observation in analysis about differing positions of Freud and Jung on perversion and about probable differences in perverse structural elements of women in contrast to men. In general perversion is understood as a defence of the self; in particular with women it is seen as a defensive way of achieving a false wholeness, a pseudo-androgyny. A case study describes the unfolding of a perverted transference. The importance of reaching the analyst and being understood by the analyst through projective identification is stressed. Quite often a sexually abusing mother seems to play an important role in generating female perversion; the implications in analysis are discussed as well as some ideas about culture and gender.

[Childhood masturbation--a genetic viewpoint, especially in anorexia and bulimia nervosa]

The author examines the functions of child masturbation in the development of narcissim and distinguishes a demarcation function, a compensation function and a function serving to establish autonomy. In Binswanger's view, certain reactions to child masturbation on the part of parents may affect the interactive relationship between the child and the parent representing the primary object in such a way as to thwart or undermine these functions. The result is the appearance of masturbation substitutes in the form of certain symptoms. Binswanger distinguishes "horrified", "liberal", and "eroticized" reactions by parents, relating the first to compulsion neurosis, the second to obesity, and the third to anorexia/bulimia. The author illustrates his hypotheses with copious references to cases from his own practice.

The sexual experience of women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

Women with bulimia nervosa generally have reported greater sexual activity and experience relative to women with anorexia nervosa. However, past research has been based on small samples and has not controlled for potential confounding variables or symptom severity. We further investigated sexual experience among women diagnosed with an eating disorder.

METHODS

Women evaluated in an outpatient eating disorders program, and subsequently diagnosed with either anorexia nervosa (n = 131) or bulimia nervosa (n = 319), completed the Diagnostic Survey for Eating Disorders-Revised (DSED-R) at intake. Sexual experience variables (masturbation, coitus, sexual satisfaction), as well as control variables (age, weight, and menarche) and measures of symptom severity, were derived from the DSED-R. Logistic regression analyses were used to predict sexual experience.

RESULTS

After controlling for relevant covariates, bulimics were more likely than anorexics to have engaged in sexual intercourse. Masturbation experience, as well as self-ratings of current sexual satisfaction, were inversely related to degree of restriction of caloric intake, particularly among women with anorexia nervosa. When compared to anorexics, bulimics reported greater sexual interest and earlier age of first coitus.

DISCUSSION

Coitus (sexual activity involving a partner) was related to eating disorder diagnosis independent of symptoms, whereas masturbation (self-focused sexual activity) was related to caloric restriction for the sample as a whole and anorexia nervosa patients in particular. These relationships between sexual experience and eating disorder symptoms and diagnosis may illuminate the personality features of women with anorexia nervosa versus bulimia nervosa as well as the functional role of caloric restriction.

Masturbation fantasies in a prelatency girl: early female body fantasy conflicts as a major determinant in the experience of primary femininity

Material from a child-analytic case is presented demonstrating the way in which a girl created erotic fantasies from her understanding of bodily sensations and used those fantasies in masturbation. The material shows how analysis of early fantasies of this nature helps us to understand and follow a line of development of primary femininity in which core conflicts involving urethral sphincter, periurethral, and bladder sensations combine with genital area sensations in the creation of anxiety over fears of genital injury. The clinical implication of anxiety as the dominant affect early in female development in this case is discussed.

Self-reported sexual interest in children: sex differences and psychosocial correlates in a university sample

A sample of 180 female and 99 male university students were surveyed regarding their sexual interest in children. Males reported sexual attraction to at least one child more often than did females (n = 22 [22.2%] and n = 5 [2.8%], respectively). Both males and females reported very low rates of sexual fantasies about children, masturbation to such fantasies, or potential likelihood of sexual contact with a child. Males' sexual attraction to children was associated with lower self-esteem, greater sexual conflicts, more sexual impulsivity, lower scores on the Socialization scale of the California Psychological Inventory, greater use of pornography depicting consenting adult sex, and more self-reported difficulty attracting age-appropriate sexual partners. Childhood victimization history and attitudes supporting sexual aggression did not discriminate self-reported sexual attraction to children.

Male genital self-mutilation: a case report

A review of the literature on self-mutilation of male genitalia and/or auto-castration reveals that they are infrequent and usually related to psychoses or toxic states. In this report the authors present a case of a 17-year-old non-psychotic Japanese male who mutilated his genitalia under clear consciousness because of a conflict over his frequent masturbation.

Prescribed masturbation in sex therapy: a critique

The goal of this paper is to show from an interactional or systemic perspective how intimacy may be damaged through traditional sex therapy approaches. This is in opposition to stated claims by sex therapists, who have, since the pioneering work of Masters and Johnson, sought to improve intimacy by removing the impediment of poor sexual response. Prescribed masturbation in sex therapy is identified as particularly problematic in its potential for iatrogenic effects. These potentials are demonstrated from a relational perspective and from a functional perspective. Prescribed masturbation, intended to narrow the focus of attention from the "distraction" of a partner's response, may actually serve to further damage the openness and trust necessary for truly rewarding sexual expression. Difficulties in a relationship that preclude the trust necessary for open sexual interaction ought to be addressed before any sexual activity is prescribed. If clinicians' work circumvents the interactional component of the dysfunction, they may be guilty of colluding with clients in protecting them from intimacy. Recommended alternatives for clinicians are offered.

Homosexual foot fetishism

262 respondents from an organization for homosexual foot fetishists provide information from a broader sample than clinical cases and allow examination of the effects of sexual preference on fetishism. Data show a wide range of feet/footwear objects to be arousing. Such interests were often associated with particular types of men, yet interests were subject to change over time. Fetishistic arousal rested on both sensual and symbolic aspects of the fetish. Symbolically, it was the theme of "masculinity" that made male feet/footwear arousing, showing parallels to "femininity" evoked by female feet/footwear for male heterosexual fetishists. For many of the respondents, fetishism did not seem to be a substitute for living persons. Respondents had intimate relationships and were able to incorporate their fetish interests into stable relationships and less intimate ones. Considerable involvement in sadomasochistic practices was also found as was involvement in the gay world. Finally, nothing about a fetishistic interest seemed to preclude the development of subcultural forms around the practice.

Pseudoseizures, sexual abuse, and hermeneutic reasoning

It has been proposed that pseudoseizures are a symbolic expression of having been sexually abused. Such reasoning is hermeneutic in nature and potentially damaging if uncritically used. Sexual abuse is one of several risk factors for pseudoseizures, but it should not be deduced simply from the occurrence or form of the conversion disorder.

Monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis and prolonged solitary confinement

A man previously imprisoned for 11 years developed unremitting and treatment-resistant monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis following a period in excess of 12 months in solitary confinement. We are unaware of any other reported incidences of this disorder arising in such circumstances.

Masturbation--beyond myth and taboo

Masturbation is a common human behavior that impacts nursing in a variety of ways. All too often, nurses find themselves seeking out masturbatory literature after an uncomfortable client encounter for which they were not prepared. The authors examine helpful information about masturbation that nurses may use to care for individuals, families, groups, and communities. The historical context of the values and beliefs associated with masturbation is explores. the notions of "functional" and "dysfunctional" masturbation are proposed and examined. Recommendations for nursing practice, education, theory and research are proposed.

Autoerotic asphyxial deaths: analysis of nineteen fatalities in Alberta, 1978 to 1989

This paper presents an unusual form of sexual (masturbatory) activity and brings this unusual cause of death to wider medical attention and understanding. All 19 cases of autoerotic asphyxial death that occurred between 1978 and 1989 in the province of Alberta, Canada were reviewed. The fatal victim of autoerotic asphyxia is typically a single male aged 15 to 29 years. Autoerotic sexual activity is typically performed in isolation; often there is evidence of repetitive practice. The accidental death usually results when the "safety" mechanism designed to alleviate neck compression fails. Often the first sign of the activity (usually a surprise to family and friends) is death itself. Physicians who are alert to the practice may suggest counselling when patients present with sexual concerns, unusual marks around the neck or evidence of abrasions to limbs suggesting bondage or other masochistic practices.

Aspects of primary and secondary genital feelings and anxieties in girls during the preoedipal and early oedipal phases

The author examines the development of the girl's psychosexual feminine self-image during the preoedipal and early oedipal phases, as well as the accompanying primary and secondary genital feelings and anxieties. The connection between the little girl's discovery and pleasure in self-exploration and masturbation and related anxieties about being "closed-up" is discussed. The nature of the corresponding object relationships is elucidated, especially the narcissistic significance of being like mother.

Compulsive exhibitionism successfully treated with fluvoxamine: a controlled case study

BACKGROUND

Paraphilias are psychosexual disorders that are usually conceptualized as deviant in nature. Yet in some cases, paraphilia can be conceptualized as an obsessive compulsive disorder.

METHOD

We describe an exhibitionist treated under partial single-blind conditions (patient was blind to placebo but was aware he was receiving desipramine and fluvoxamine) with the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine, followed by desipramine and a placebo that looked like fluvoxamine, in an ABACA design. He was serially assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale.

RESULTS

Fluvoxamine eliminated the undesired impulse and behavior without affecting sexual desire. Desipramine and single-blind fluvoxamine-placebo treatment were both associated with relapses.

CONCLUSION

A subset of paraphiliacs may be suffering from obsessive-compulsive-related disorders and may benefit from serotonergic agents.

Deviance as history: the future of perversion

An approach to the social construction of concepts of sexual deviance and sexual perversions is considered. Deviance is conceptualized as a problem of control, perversion a problem of desire. These are seen as related to the larger sexual and nonsexual discursive practices of society and given to change as these contextualizing practices change. Changing conceptions regarding masturbation, homosexuality, pedophilia, and sadomasochism are examined.

On love and lust in erotic transference

Intense erotic transference is one of the most powerful and challenging phenomena in clinical psychoanalysis. Powerful longings for love and for sexual gratification are likely to elicit enactments in the analytic setting that interfere with the analyst's ability to maintain a dual state of awareness in which he or she is both a participant in and an observer of the immediate experience with the patient. These enactments occur on a continuum from frank love affairs between patient and analyst to subtle forms of partial transference gratification. Moreover, the two primary elements in the manifest content of erotic transference--love and lust--may be dissociated from one another and may produce significantly different reactions in the analyst.

Masturbation and premarital sexual intercourse among college women: making choices for sexual fulfillment

Given the potential value of masturbation as an alternative to high-risk sexual practices, there is a need to investigate factors surrounding this method of physiological sexual fulfillment. Therefore, this study examined the differences, if any, between women who have engaged in masturbation only (MO), both masturbation and sexual intercourse (MSI), and sexual intercourse only (SIO). An anonymous questionnaire was administered to volunteer respondents enrolled at a Midwestern university, yielding a subsample of 777 never-married, heterosexual women. Group comparisons indicated that MO Group women were most likely to feel guilty about engaging in masturbation and petting, but least likely to report either comfort with their sexuality or sexual satisfaction. MSI Group women indicated that, while growing up, they were less attached to their mother and father figures, whom they rated as uncommunicative. They also were more likely to have engaged in risk-related sexual behaviors. SIO Group women were more likely to have used contraceptives at first sexual intercourse and to report fewer lifetime sex partners than MSI Group women. Since a substantial number of college women refrain from engaging in masturbation, yet choose to have unprotected sexual intercourse and multiple sex partners, and others engage in masturbation but report experiencing guilt feelings regarding self-stimulation, it is of crucial importance that the negative connotations of masturbation and its attendant impact on sexual satisfaction be addressed by sexuality educators, clinicians, and researchers.

Endocrinological, biophysical, and biochemical parameters of semen collected via masturbation versus sexual intercourse

In clinical programs of assisted reproduction involving infertile males, it is essential to obtain semen of maximum quality. To evaluate ways of achieving this objective, and to assess the fertilizing capacity of the sperm, six semen samples were collected from each of 38 infertile men via masturbation. Six more samples were then collected from each man at sexual intercourse using a semen collection device (SCD). We confirmed that the volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher in samples collected at intercourse than masturbation, as reported previously. In addition, the markers of the secretory function of the prostate and the outcome of sperm function tests (hypoosmotic swelling test, acrosin assay, and sperm penetration assay) were significantly higher for the samples collected at intercourse. There were no significant differences in markers of the secretory function of the seminal vesicles and epididymis between the samples. The improved spermatozoal parameters in the samples collected at intercourse may reflect a higher prostatic secretory function at that time. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of gonadotropins, or in the serum or seminal plasma concentrations of testosterone, before or after masturbation or sexual intercourse. Therefore, the differences in prostatic secretory function and semen parameters may not be attributed to differences in hormonal levels. Semen collection during intercourse using an SCD appears to be the method of choice for selecting semen samples for artificial insemination.

A fundamental dilemma of psychoanalytic technique: reflections on the analysis of a perverse paranoid patient

The work refers to the general topic of the traumatic effects of transference in the analytic situation. The author defines the fundamental dilemma of interpretive technique as the technical difficulty, sometimes insurmountable, faced by the therapist in the treatment of severely ill patients, particularly in the case of narcissistic, self-centred disorders, where the interpretive action itself often produces negative side effects that are not countered by the curative effect of the insight achieved through interpretation. In a brief theoretical introduction, this dilemma is described as a longstanding problem in psychoanalysis that has been systematically concealed by the protracted discussion on the subject of 'analysability' and which has still not been resolved by the theory of technique. Clinical case material on a perverse patient is then presented to illustrate the dilemma described and to demonstrate some general strategies by which it may be overcome.

The female genital dress-rehearsal: a prospective process at the oedipal threshold

Rather than focus on the girl's phallic identification as a compensatory reaction to her femininity, I offer a conceptual framework through which to examine how the girl symbolically masters and elaborates her biologically unfolding sexuality. Presumably, because her genital inner space can be defined and filled only through the playful retention and expulsion of an external object, the girl's phallic identification paradoxically affords her the first experience of her genital femininity. Borne out of her genital stimulation at the oedipal threshold, the genital dress-rehearsal turns on outside gestures becoming registered as sensations inside her body. As a result of her dual experience, the girl is both phallic and vaginal, giver and receiver, father and mother. Through the magic of play, the girl renegotiates her oath of fidelity to her internal, pre-oedipal mother, while laying claim to the kind of sexual vibrancy that her external, oedipal mother shares with her oedipal father.