Concerning Specific Forms of Masturbation
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"Concerning Specific Forms of Masturbation" (originally published as Über Spezifität der Onanieformen) is a 1922
In the seven and a half page essay Reich accepts the prevalent notions on the roles of unconscious fantasy and the subsequent emerging guilt feelings which he saw as originating from the act itself. Reich built on papers written by other professionals of his time; however, he decided to probe deeper into the myriad variations of both female and male masturbation.
The essay was presented to the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society on October 10, 1922 and was published in the Internationale Zeitschrift für Psychoanalyse in 1922. It formed the basis for Reich's later views on the role of genitality in the therapy of neuroses.[1]
The way people masturbate indicative of sexual potency
Reich's work with patients at the clinic was often related to problems of diminished
From surveying these aspects Reich wanted to separate out healthy forms of masturbation from unhealthy ones.
Four categories of male masturbation
- Against the sheet or an improvised vulva (shirt, pillow, etc.), lying face down, and without the assistance of the hands, thrusting the pelvis rhythmically.
- Using the hands, lying on the side or in a bathtub, by far the most common form.
- Lying on the back using only the hands.
- In front of a mirror; while reading rape scenes (a very frequent occurrence, Reich remarked); on the toilet; in public parks (although hidden behind bushes); mutual masturbation with friends etc.
Only the first of these types indicated a strong inclination towards the opposite sex. The second type shows a strong
See also
Citations
- ISBN 0-285-64970-1: p. 57
General references
- ISBN 0-374-25002-2, pp. 38–40.