You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
This paper discusses the relationship between masturbation and the formation of certain neurotic symptoms. To study this the author proposes that masturbation be divided into two major components: 1, the actual manipulation of a certain part of the body, and 2, the appropriate fantasy which accompanies such physical manipulation. In the transition from the struggle against masturbation to the formation of symptoms the two components do not necessarily share the same fate.
The most extreme form of defense against masturbation is complete repression of act and fantasy, ordinarily considered a grave omen during adolescence. In other instances the two components are separated from each other in time and are carried out independently and in separate stages. The contents of the fantasy may become distorted by regression while the physical activity remains unchanged, or the converse of this may occur and hysterical symptoms may result. After the repression of phallic masturbation, extragenital and sado-masochistic practices may be substituted and may lead into compulsive symptoms. If the external object is treated as a temptation to masturbation, phobic symptoms may occur. The substitution of desexualized indifferent thoughts for the sensually charged masturbatory fantasy leads with slight transition to obsessional thinking. The function of thinking may become sexualized.
Masturbation itself may become a symptom, compulsive masturbation serving