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Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
07:11

Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling

Published on: February 5, 2019

Conjoint treatment of a mother and her 16-month-old toddler

M Ascher

    International Journal of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
    |January 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Early genital awareness in toddlers can spur ego development and aid in overcoming early-life trauma. This case study highlights how recognizing anatomical differences supports psychological growth.

    Area of Science:

    • Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Psychoanalysis

    Background:

    • Presents a case study of a 16-month-old toddler with a complex of symptoms including psychogenic rash, feeding disorder, bowel retention, separation anxiety, and insomnia.
    • Symptoms emerged around 8 months of age, coinciding with developmental shifts.
    • Symptoms were viewed within a three-generational interpersonal context and as a failure in the separation-individuation process.

    Observation:

    • The toddler exhibited significant distress related to separation from her mother.
    • A notable shift in treatment and symptom relief occurred when the toddler became aware of anatomical differences at 17 months.
    • This awareness appeared to facilitate a degree of mastery over earlier phase-specific trauma.

    Findings:

    • Early genital awareness can serve as a catalyst for ego development.
    • Such awareness may enhance ego organization, aiding in the processing of developmental challenges.
    • The case supports the theory that early recognition of anatomical differences can promote psychological integration.

    Implications:

    • Highlights the potential role of early genital awareness in normative ego development.
    • Suggests therapeutic interventions could potentially leverage this developmental milestone.
    • Offers insights into the interplay between interpersonal dynamics and intrapsychic development in early childhood.

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