Incest and Its Meaning: The Perspectives of Fathers and Daughters

• NCJ Number: 153317
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1995) Pages: 7-24
• Author(s): P Phelan
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 18 pages
• Grant Number(s): ROIMH39086
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored incestuous events and the structure of meaning surrounding the events by biological fathers and stepfathers and biological daughters and stepdaughters; the study used a symbolic interaction framework and was guided by the thesis that meanings people attach to incestuous events are central to understanding the phenomenon of incest.

Abstract

Data were obtained from indepth interviews with 40 men (14 biological fathers and 26 stepfathers) and 44 children (18 biological daughters and 26 stepdaughters). Interviews emphasized the recollection of events by fathers and daughters and their thoughts and interpretations of incestuous activity while it occurred. Study participants came from the Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program in San Jose, California, an outpatient clinic designed specifically to treat incestuous families. Both fathers and daughters reported that sexual activity grew out of already existing family interactions, such as backrubs, wrestling, reading before bed, and watching television. The first approach of fathers was frequently subtle and left daughters unsure if abuse actually happened. Fathers and daughters alike reported minimal verbal interaction, and children thus relied on their own interpretation of the situation. Cognitions of fathers and daughters differed dramatically. Many fathers said their thoughts were dominated by themes of sexual gratification, control, power, anger, and rights and responsibilities vis-a-vis their role as a father or as a stepfather. Daughters reported disbelief, confusion, guilt, and anger. Fathers said they completely misread their child's reaction to what was happening. Although fathers knew what they were doing was wrong, few reported concern with possible legal consequences. In 25 percent of the study cases, sexual activity came to involve regular intercourse or partial penetration of the daughter on a regular basis. 48 references