NCJ Number
115116
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1988) Pages: 290-306
Date Published
1988
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This epidemiologic case-control study compares current incest-victim families with current nonvictim families to identify behaviors that predict sexual abuse of a daughter by her father.
Abstract
A total of 34 current case families and 68 controls responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the multivariate technique of logistic regression. Variables having a strong relationship to father-daughter incest were income (low), marital satisfaction, closeness of the mother-daughter relationship, and violence between the abuser and the spouse. Study findings tend to support the interrelational theory of Finkelhor (1984) and Russell (1984), which holds that among the major contributors to sexual abuse are factors that aid in the breakdown of inhibitors or help the abuser overcome the victim's resistance. Low income produces stress and the lowering of self-esteem, which in turn reduces internal inhibitors. A weak or hostile mother-daughter relationship tends to foster rationalizations for incest, as does a weak marital relationship. 2 tables, 43 references. (Author abstract modified)