Behavioral Intervention Study on Childhood Masturbation: A Case Report
Childhood masturbation refers to the self-stimulation of the genitals by an immature child. Even though this behavior is seen as part of human nature, it is considered a behavioral problem if it is performed frequently and in public. The approach to childhood masturbation is an important issue that...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Istanbul University Press
2022-09-01
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| Series: | Çocuk Dergisi |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/C77B1E7939D646258996C8D28ED621A7 |
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| Summary: | Childhood masturbation refers to the self-stimulation of the genitals by an immature child. Even though this behavior is seen as part of human nature, it is considered a behavioral problem if it is performed frequently and in public. The approach to childhood masturbation is an important issue that concerns families and professionals dealing with behavioral problems in children. Although there are studies in the literature on diagnosing behavior and identifying accompanying problems, it is seen that studies on behavior intervention are limited and insufficient. The aim of this study was to completely eliminate the frequency of the problem behavior by applying a behavioral intervention for childhood masturbation. In this context, an individualized intervention plan was prepared for a 3-year-old 11-month-old girl whose masturbation behavior was reported. In order to determine the objectives of the intervention plan and the strategies to be applied, the functional definition of the problem behavior was made using the Motivation Measurement Scale; the Parental Attitude Scale and the Temperament Scale for Children were used in addition to the observation and interview techniques to gather information about the family and the child. The objectives of the intervention were determined and the strategies to be applied for the problem behavior were decided. The behavior was measured by keeping a frequency and time record. The frequency of occurrence of the behavior was determined to be at least once a day. The behavior disappeared at the end of the eight-week individualized intervention plan specific to the case, and in the three-week follow-up phase, the behavior was completely extinguished. In the intervention process, strategies for pre-behavior and consequences were applied. Making environmental arrangements for prebehavior (activities in the kitchen to increase interaction with the mother), giving responsibilities to keep the child busy / limiting free time (morning sports activities, funny sensory activities, interactive book reading) and creating a routine (helping with housework) were effective. For the post-behavior, differential reinforcement of other behaviors (reinforcing other appropriate behaviors by ignoring the masturbation behavior when it occurs) and differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors (reinforcing when she did fun breathing exercises when she felt bored) were effective. Using play-based activities to encourage family and child interaction and using an interactive reading method with books suitable for development positively supported the process. |
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| ISSN: | 1308-8491 |