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Practical approach to childhood masturbation—a review

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Abstract

The aim of this article is to review the literature for information that could guide the clinical practitioner in the assessment and management of childhood masturbation. The boundary between normal and abnormal or deviant masturbation in children remains unclear. Besides the link with sexual abuse, other environmental factors and individual factors, as well as psychiatric disorders, are mentioned in relation to masturbation and sexual behaviour in general in children. However, evidence-based information is missing and, therefore, a safety management approach is advised when a clinician is confronted with childhood masturbation. We conclude that normal psychosexual development, as well as environmental and individual factors, should be considered in the assessment and management of childhood masturbation.

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Notes

  1. The CBCL (Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist) is a widely used screening measure of children’s behaviour. The version for 2- to 3-year-olds has 99 items and the version for 4- to 18-year-olds has 113 items. A 3-point scale is used and the child is rated by his parents over the previous 6 months. The CBCL assesses internalising (depression, anxiety, somatic concerns and withdrawn behaviour) and externalising (aggression, delinquency and hyperactivity) behaviours [1].

Abbreviations

CM:

Childhood masturbation

CSBI:

Child Sexual Behaviour Inventory

DSM-IV:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—4th edition

WHO:

World Health Organization

ICD-10:

International Statistical Classifications of Diseases and Related Health Problems (WHO 1992, 1993)

CBCL:

Child Behavior Checklist

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Charita Mallants

  2. Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Kristina Casteels

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  1. Charita Mallants
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Correspondence to Kristina Casteels.

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Mallants, C., Casteels, K. Practical approach to childhood masturbation—a review. Eur J Pediatr 167, 1111–1117 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0766-2

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