Adult-child incest: a review of research and treatment

Abstract

Although of long-standing theoretical interest in the social sciences, it is only in recent years that researchers and the helping professions have begun to address the reality of incest as a social problem. This paper reviews the literature which addresses adult-child incest as a form of child abuse. Twenty-six independent empirical studies are examined. Related treatment and theoretical literature is also discussed. The following are highlighted: problems of definition; current reporting statistics; obstacles to reporting; incest as a class phenomenon; characteristics of perpetrators, victims, and the other parent; dynamics and circumstances of the incest family; short- and long-term effects of incest on the victim; treating and preventing incest; and legal requirements regarding incest reporting. Finally, attention is directed to methodological problems--small samples, convenience samples, measurement issues, proper evaluation designs for treatment programs, etc.--which very few of the published studies adequately address. Suggestions are made.