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This paper is primarily concerned with masturbation in the latency period, its varieties, and their consequences. A survey of the changing dynamics of the activity from the first to the fifth year is made in preparation for a further differentiation within the latency period itself. Early latency is marked by manifest behaviour difficulties and the formation of new neurotic symptoms. Psychic maturation aids the child in the second latency period. The formation of a less rigid superego, increased real gratification in the outer world, and successful sublimation of pregenital impulses are the main determinants for progressive instead of regressive development towards puberty and adolescence.
In the neurotic child the blocking of sexual satisfaction results in traumatic anxiety and break-throughs with paralysing guilt. Cases are quoted where the fear of climax or orgastic sensation led to a compulsive interruption of all pleasurable activity, thought, or speech, before its consummation. Illustrations are offered of the fight against compulsive masturbation and masturbatory equivalents with resulting insomnia, and the question of the isolation of phantasy from the masturbatory act is discussed. So long as the phantasy is attached to the act, it does not interfere with the child's behaviour and adjustment to reality. Where it has no bodily outlet, libidinal and aggressive energy left undischarged may permeate the ego activities. Compulsive talking and excited or quarrelsome behaviour may be the only visible substitute for the relinquished sexual activity.
Clinical difficulties in the elucidation of this highly defended material are discussed throughout the paper, and some helpful comments on upbringing are appended.