The psychology of marriage / by Walter M. Gallichan.

  • Walter M. Gallichan
Date:
[1917]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The psychology of marriage / by Walter M. Gallichan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    both as a cause and a result of neurasthenia, thus forming a vicious circle. In regard to the frequency of occurrence in the two sexes there is divided opinion. Pouillet, Nacke, Morgalia think it is commoner among women, and Spitzka, Lawson Tait, Mott in men. Rohleder and Gamier state that it is the same in both sexes. As to general prevalence among the population, some declare the habit to be universal, and others 50 to 95 per cent. Parents should recognise that auto-erotism is apt to manifest itself spontaneously in young children ; that it is often the result of the example of playmates, and that the practice frequently begins at the age of fourteen or fifteen, at the time when the sexual system begins to mature and new desires spring into being. The young child may be safeguarded by hygienic means, and by kindly instruction concerning the great importance of the sex organs in the scheme of life. Health measures should ensure a plain, nourishing, non-stimulating diet, rational clothing, ablution of the parts, free exercise, and encourage¬ ment of outdoor games, and the cultivation of engrossing interests and hobbies. The bed should not be too luxurious and warm, nor the hours spent in it too long. Over¬ excitement is prejudicial to the well-being of the child, but a reasonable amount of pleasure in pastimes and occasional “ treats ” are necessary. Lack of interest and amusement may foster the habit, while absorbing employ¬ ment of body and mind may prevent it. It is apparent, from a careful consideration of this difficult and important question, that all the stimuli to the formation of the auto-erotic habit should be removed, as far as possible, from the daily life of the child and the youth. This is a problem for parents and teachers. The loving confidence of the child should be won, and the appeal based upon affection and sympathy. Any method of terrorism is likely to defeat its object. The boy who is told that he is “ abandoned ” may actually become so, through sheer despair in the conflict with vehement im¬ pulse.* It is better to impress the fact that the life-force * Brill has noted this in his medical practice. Savage says that dread of results has a very serious influence in producing a number of youthful hypochondriacs and a considerable number of suicides.”
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