Psychological separation and the sexual abuse victim

Discusses evidence from studies of women reporting incestual relationships in their backgrounds that indicates that far-reaching and pervasive impacts in adulthood are associated with these childhood events. The double-bind pattern seen in many incestuous families is described in terms of typical participant relationships; primary, secondary, and tertiary negative injunctions toward the victim; and the failure of separation/individuation that results. This pattern may have as much or greater impact than the presence of sexual contact without a double-bind situation. Based on this assumption, the most effective treatment involves a focus on communication patterns and separation/individuation. A review of the clinical charts of women who terminated with an incest treatment group after 3-22 mo indicates that the vast majority of these Ss were successful in conquering these issues. (13 ref)