A Study of Probable Causal Factors of Masturbation in a Girl of Six Years

Loretta, aged six years, was referred to the Mental Hygiene Clinic from a public school. Her teacher was much perturbed by the fact that the little girl masturbated openly, and apparently unconsciously, all day long. Teachers and principal alike were worried, but also somewhat fascinated by the fact that Loretta could and did masturbate with one hand, do arithmetic problems with the other, and get the problems right. The school was encouraged to feel that something might be done for her because of something which happened a few weeks before her referral to the clinic. An operetta had been given by members of the primary grades in which some children in her class took part. Loretta had been eager to be in the operetta. With decided misgivings she was included in the cast. For an hour and a half she was