Review
"A model work in humanistic psychology...Tremendously valuable to psychological counselors and to readers open to new insights..." -- Irvin Child, PhD, Yale University, Co-author of CHILD TRAINING AND PERSONALITY
"A welcome addition to the literature of human sexual behavior." -- Library Journal
"A welcome addition to the literature of human sexual behavior." -- Library Journal
From the Author
This book focuses on the earliest and most enduring form of human eroticism – masturbation. Providing comprehensive coverage of both its physical and mental aspects, we offer a clear understanding of the psychological meaning of masturbation for everyone: females and males, children and adults, single and married people. Our work lifts the veils of mystification and fear that have long obscured the significance of this universal practice, bringing out its relevance for an individual’s personality development, sexual functioning and enjoyment, intimate relationships, and ability for productive work.
Through extensive research, interviews, a variety of vivid case histories, and our own personal vignettes, we illustrate how parents can help children form a positive and healthy awareness of their developing bodies and erotic feelings; how loving partners – regardless of sexual orientation – can use their masturbatory inclinations and experiences to deepen sexual communication; how unattached adults can enjoy autoerotic pleasure as an expression of self-love and personal validation. We also explain how people can use their masturbatory fantasies to resolve personal and relational conflicts.
