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Nocturnal faecal soiling and anal masturbation
A F Clark1, P J Tayler, S R Bhate
1Young People's Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Late-onset fecal soiling in children, linked to anal masturbation, may be an unrecognized coping mechanism. This behavior can hinder a child's separation and maturation process.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Development
- Behavioral Pediatrics
Background:
- Fecal soiling (encopresis) is often associated with developmental delays or psychological disorders.
- Late-onset soiling in typically developing children warrants further investigation into underlying causes.
Observation:
- Two cases of children presenting with late-onset fecal soiling were observed.
- These children engaged in anal masturbation and lacked mental handicaps or psychosis.
Findings:
- Anal masturbation was identified as a potential contributing factor to persistent fecal soiling.
- Soiling may serve as an unconscious mechanism to maintain proximity within the family unit, delaying separation and maturation.
Implications:
- The association between anal masturbation and resistant soiling may be an underrecognized clinical phenomenon.
- Clinicians should consider behavioral and developmental factors in cases of unexplained late-onset fecal soiling.
- Understanding this association can inform therapeutic interventions for children and families facing these challenges.