In this groundbreaking work, leading Austrian sexologist Ernest Borneman explores the psychosexual development of children from conception to age eight. He challenges the common belief that children are asexual until puberty, asserting instead that sexuality is an integral part of human development from the very beginning. Borneman illustrates how this aspect of life manifests in children through their games, imaginative play, desire for physical contact, and even masturbation. His research emphasizes that a natural expression of sexuality during childhood is crucial for healthy adult sexual development. The book is structured by age groups, with each section detailing healthy sexual development and potential pathologies arising from disruptions at that stage. Borneman reveals that many adult neuroses and paraphilias can often be traced back to disturbances in childhood sexual growth. He highlights the significant impact of parents' attitudes toward their own sexuality on their child's psychosexual well-being. This authoritative and clearly written reference serves as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals seeking to understand the sexual developmental psychology of children.
