Herman, J. (1981). Father–Daughter Incest. Professional Psychology, 12(1), 76–80.

Abstract

Examines sexual abuse of children in the light of the facts that approximately 10% of all women report a childhood sexual experience with a relative and that 1% are victims of father–daughter incest. Incestuous families are seen to represent a pathological exaggeration of traditional patriarchal norms. Common features include extreme paternal dominance, maternal disability, and imposition of a mothering role on the oldest daughter. The incestual relationship has not only been found to begin before puberty and to continue in secrecy for many years, but more than one daughter may be involved. Adult women with a history of incest exhibit a clinical syndrome that includes low self-esteem, difficulty in intimate relationships, and repeated victimization. Measures that improve the general status of women and strengthen the role of mothers within the family are proposed as the best means of long-term prevention. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)