Health Topics for Mental and Emotional Health

Department of Psychiatry

Incest

Incest refers to sexual acts between relatives. The type of incest that people tend to be most concerned about is parent-child incest. Sexual contact between an adult and a child is never acceptable for any reason. This is not a show of love. This is a way to ruin a child's trust of others forever. Even if the incest occurs when the child is legally an adult, it is very damaging.

A child wants to be accepted by a parent. Sexual abuse should not be the cost. Parent-child incest when the child is a teen or an adult may be one of the most damaging kinds, as the child tends to blame herself or himself even more. Incest between other adult family members and children or teens is also very damaging. Any abuse of this kind, even if only suspected, should be reported.

Incest between those who are similar in age and consenting may be less damaging, but still harmful. Brother-sister incest, for example, often leaves children or teens feeling guilty once they realize it is not acceptable in society. In addition, the dual roles are confusing. A girl may feel that she can break up with a boyfriend, but how can she break up with a brother?

If you find that your children are engaging in incest, it is important to stay calm. The children will need help from a mental health professional, and it may be that your whole family needs to be involved in treatment. The children will be feeling guilty enough as it is, so do not make them feel worse by punishing them. Let the therapist help get you through this.

If you think incest is happening to a child you know, a professional evaluation of the situation is needed. Contact your doctor or a mental health professional. Most states have a child protective agency that will automatically get involved, if notified.

If you have issues or guilt feelings about incest in your past, ask your primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional for some assistance.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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