Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 6: Sex in Relation to SocietyEllis, Havelock
Science
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 6: Sex in Relation to Society
Ellis, Havelock
Sex; Sex (Psychology)
Hein replied that abstinence is harmless for most,
but in some leads to hysterical manifestations and indirectly to
bad results from masturbation, while for the normal man
abstinence cannot be directly beneficial, since intercourse is
natural. Grützner thought that abstinence is almost never
harmful. Nescheda said it is harmless in itself, but harmful in
so far as it leads to unnatural modes of gratification. Neisser
believes that more prolonged abstinence than is now usual would
be beneficial, but admitted the sexual excitations of our
civilization; he added that of course he saw no harm for healthy
men in intercourse. Hoche replied that abstinence is quite
harmless in normal persons, but not always so in abnormal
persons. Weber thought it had a useful influence in increasing
will-power. Tarnowsky said it is good in early manhood, but
likely to be unfavorable after twenty-five. Orlow replied that,
especially in youth, it is harmless, and a man should be as
chaste as his wife. Popow said that abstinence is good at all
ages and preserves the energy. Blumenau said that in adult age
abstinence is neither normal nor beneficial, and generally leads
to masturbation, though not generally to nervous disorders; but
that even masturbation is better than syphilis. Tschiriew saw no
harm in abstinence up to thirty, and thought sexual weakness more
likely to follow excess than abstinence. Tschish regarded
abstinence as beneficial rather than harmful up to twenty-five or
twenty-eight, but thought it difficult to decide after that age
when nervous alterations seem to be caused. Darkschewitcz
regarded abstinence as harmless up to twenty-five. Fränkel said
it was harmless for most, but that for a considerable proportion
of people intercourse is a necessity. Erb's opinion is regarded
by Jacobsohn as standing alone; he placed the age below which
abstinence is harmless at twenty; after that age he regarded it
as injurious to health, seriously impeding work and capacity,
while in neurotic persons it leads to still more serious results.
Jacobsohn concludes that the general opinion of those answering
the inquiry may thus be expressed: "Youth should be abstinent.
Abstinence can in no way injure them; on the contrary, it is
beneficial. If our young people will remain abstinent and avoid
extra-conjugal intercourse they will maintain a high ideal of
love and preserve themselves from venereal diseases."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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