Correlates of Incest Reported by Adolescent Girls in Treatment for Substance Abuse (From Handbook on Sexual Abuse of Children: Assessment and Treatment Issues, P 94-106, 1988, Lenore E A Walker, ed. -- See NCJ-113856)

• NCJ Number: 113857
• Author(s): G E Edwall; N G Hoffmann
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Springer Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

When 138 adolescent girls in treatment for substance abuse were queried about incest in their lives, 23 percent acknowledged some form of incest experience.

Abstract

A review of professional literature relating to incest revealed that little is known about how it affects the lives of its victims. This study compared family and personality variables of 31 adolescents reporting incest with 107 who did not report incestuous experiences. Results indicate the families of incest victims had a higher incidence of physical abuse and contained other family members who were also being physically or sexually abused. Incest victims were more likely to use alcohol and stimulants frequently and were more likely to begin drinking before age nine. The incest victims were more fragile psychologically and reported serious distress requiring psychiatric care. The incest victims doubted their parents' love for them and believed their parents were ashamed of them. Incest victims also reported more antisocial behavior that led to their involvement with the legal system. 16 references.