In both masturbation and symptom formation, gratification of instincts is reached by autoplastic or regressive autoerotic and autoaggressive processes. Conflict with important objects is avoided because these 'autonomous' solutions result in the preservation of object relationships. Save for the element of guilt masturbation is more ego-syntonic, whereas symptoms are ego-alien. In the former the superego is intact, in the latter corrupt (Alexander). In the masturbation conflict bodily activity and fantasy undergo separate transformation. Reunion of the two elements in masturbation leads to symptoms which represent the return of masturbation. Dreams, masturbation and symptom formation are reciprocally related and demonstrate an overlapping continuum for the discharge of instinctual tensions.