Pearson believes that much of the behavior called masochism is not really a manifestation of instinctual erotogenic masochism. On the contrary, apparently masochistic behavior is often employed by the patient in his attempt to adapt to reality and in particular to achieve certain gains. It may help him achieve ego mastery, attention (equated with love), and abolition of anxiety. Pearson suggests that this association of suffering and gain may have its developmental prototype when the infant learns that 'If it not only puts up with but increases the pain in its gums, it eventually will find relief'. An illustrative case is presented.