Inadequate Masculine Physique

Abstract

A psychosomatic study was made on 256 prepubescent boys ranging in age from 9 to 16 yrs. In all cases there was concern in regard to the sexual inadequacy of the child''s physique. In no case was there evidence of gross congenital defects or endocrine dysfunction. Treatment consisted of psychotherapy, hormone admn. and, in some cases, plastic surgery. Good results were obtained from psychotherapy in so far as the emotional readjustment of the patients was concerned. It is important, however, to alter the bodily defects responsible for the emotional conflict. In this connection, plastic surgery and the hormone induction of puberty were found to be important aids to psychotherapy in the total treatment of the child.