Factors that affect a victim's self-disclosure in father-daughter incest

Out of concern about the underreporting of father-daughter incest, the author has conducted a study in Virginia to test certain observations in the literature about the relatively small number of cases that come to light voluntarily. The findings point clearly to contributory case characteristics that can sensitize practitioners to the possibility of undisclosed incest.     

Treatment of the mother in the incest family: The beginning phase

This paper discusses significant counter-transference issues and presents a conceptual framework for ordering the strategies in treating the mother in the incest family. The development of empathy is suggested as the primary engagement tool, and obstacles to its development are analyzed.The major theoretical construct that is employed in formulating the treatment approach is that of the traumagenic dynamics model presented by Finkelhor and Browne (1985). The manner in which this framework can be employed in assessment and prioritizing treatment goals is outlined. Specific approaches for the beginning phase of work with the mother are then described.     

The effects of mother-son incest

Parsons has popularized the myth that mother-son incest is the most damaging form of incest. A review of sixteen cases casts doubts on this belief. It was found that responses to this type of incest are multi-dimensional, representing an extraordinary range of behavior not foreseen by Parsons. This leads to the conclusion that motherson incest does not trigger some innate biological response, but that the effects are more directly related to the symbolic meanings attributed to this act by the participants.Leslie Margolin received a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.Address reprint requests to Leslie Margolin, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.     

Freud, psychodynamics, and incest

The author distills the essence of Freud's thinking about incest, placing it within the context of childhood sexuality. He discusses clinical and research implications concerning the relationship between sexual trauma and emotional disturbances, and poses certain perplexing questions that are far from answered.     

Mother-child incest: characteristics of the offender

Studies of the childhood, adulthood, and parenthood of women who sexually abuse their children are rarely found in the literature. The characteristics of 26 such mother-child incest offenders are explored by the author and compared to the characteristics found in other studies and in clinical experiences with incest offenders of either sex.     

A spiritual framework in incest survivors treatment

Through an examination of recent incest treatment development, this article emphasizes the theoretical concept of integration within the treatment process for female adult incest survivors. Spirituality as a therapeutic foundation is discussed with examples of therapeutic techniques. A case study illustrates the psycho-spiritual process of treating a 29-year-old female incest survivor and describes how self-integration has helped this client heal from trauma and change her worldview. Significant outcomes of treatment include the client's gaining of self-awareness and freeing herself from emotional blindness. The recommended practice framework includes a three-step healing process of building alliance with the client in a safe environment, disputing faulty religious assumptions in a learning process, and affirming the needs for reconnection and continuous spiritual support.     

Surviving incest: Feminist theory and practice

Abstract

In the last few years it has become inescapably clear that incest is relatively common and that it is mainly young girls who suffer this violence from men in their families. This article is based on in-depth interviews with Icelandic and English incest survivors. The material is analysed from a feminist perspective. My understanding of the experience and the effects of incest on the survivors lives, and opens new possibilities for social workers working with them. Consciousness-raising, the women's strength and resistance on the one hand, and equality and validation of their experiences on the other, are the basis of the work. Finally, I maintain that feminist theories and practice open new and timely possibilities for better social work practice generally.     

Resolving incest experiences through inpatient group therapy

1. Yalom's "curative factors" provide a helpful "here and now" model for inpatient group therapy with incest survivors. 2. Psychiatric nurses are in an excellent position to identify female patients who have been sexually abused and to establish and conduct therapy groups for these women. 3. Preparation of women for the group by the therapist is an essential prerequisite for successful integration into the group. 4. During hospitalization, some of the women may experience brief psychotic episodes, suicidal ideation, self-mutilation, and increased depression, which may preclude group attendance for brief periods. However, these experiences will provide ongoing opportunities for exploration of group feelings of anger, helplessness, despair, and alienation.     

Mid-phase treatment with mothers in incest families

This paper discusses crucial issues for the mother in the incest family during the middle phase of treatment. A conceptual framework useful in prioritizing these treatment issues is described briefly and the author discusses the manner in which this theoretical model can be used. Group psychotherapy is emphasized as an important treatment modality and an excerpt from the 24th session of a mothers' group is presented to illustrate how the key theoretical concepts manifest themselves in practice.     

Sibling incest: reports from forty-one survivors

An exploratory study was conducted with a convenience sample of 41 adult survivors of sibling incest using a retrospective survey design. Participants were interviewed about their childhood sexual experiences with a sibling. Most participants reported vaginal or oral intercourse and coercive experiences. Half of the sample reported sexual experiences with family members, as well as other child abuse. Half of the participants showed evidence of distorted beliefs about child sexual abuse. Disclosure of the incest during childhood was rare. doi:10.1300/ J070v15n04_02.     

That was then: elderly survivors of incest.

1. Psychosocial ramifications of incest last a lifetime for some and may be of crucial importance in treating patients in the later developmental stages of life. 2. Nursing assessments that include current and past history of violence are important for understanding presenting symptomology and interpersonal dynamics, but they are often neglected. 3. There is a need for nursing research that looks at all facets of elderly incest survivors, including incidence, late life symptomology, and special treatment needs.     

Traumatic bonding: clinical implications in incest.

The concept of traumatic bonding, taken from the literatures on trauma, victimization, and exploitation, holds promise for explaining some of the more confusing dynamics of incest. This article offers a definition of traumatic bonding, demonstrates how it can be applied in cases of incest, and discusses the implications of this concept for therapeutic intervention.     

A clinical practice model for treatment of college-aged incest survivors

Adult incest survivors frequently exhibit signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Many clinicians have geared their group treatment of incest survivors to address these manifestations. Given the nature of the sexual abuse, the early developmental periods in which some trauma occurs, the past and current relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, and the dynamics inherent in this violation and betrayal of trust, love, and power within the family unit, additional clinical concerns and safeguards must be considered. In addition, the struggles of college-aged incest survivors to come to terms with their history of sexual abuse often mirror the developmental tasks faced by their peers--autonomy, intimacy, sexuality, and formation of personal values and ethics. To focus solely on the incest without also considering these developmental issues may solidify a gridlock between inadequate resolution of the developmental issues and the continued victimization of the student incest survivor. The author discusses a time-limited group treatment for college-aged incest survivors that uses a modified posttraumatic stress disorder model as a conceptual framework and addresses both sets of concerns.