Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
TIle phenomenon of incest has been examined from differing perspectives
over the past few decades and continues to be viewed from
psychodynamic, sociological and systemic viewpoints. The past decade
has seen a substantial increase in the volume of literature relating to child
sexual abuse which includes incest, confirming that such abuse is a
phenomenon which has become virtually endemic to our society.
In its examination of incest, this dissertation attempts to, integrate
intrapsychic views such as Erikson's (1950) developmental theory with
more systemic orientated views such as the interactional view of
Watzlawick, Beavin and Jackson (1967).
Having criticised traditional views of incest, this dissertation goes further
in attempting to integrate both the individual's particular perspective of
the traumatic incident of incest during her childhood and how this
incident affected her adult life, subsequent interactions and relationships.
In integrating the apparently widely disparate approaches, this
dissertation attempts to provide an alternative theoretical perspective
around the phenomenon of incest. By integrating both psychodynamic
(intrapsychic) and interactional (systemic) approaches, this dissertation
seeks to avoid the pitfalls of rcification, distortion and reductionism. This
dissertation adopted the methodology of a single case study. A clinical
x
interview was analysed according to Erikson's (1950) developmental
stages and these stages were viewed from a systemic perspective.
Erikson's developmental stages which are bipolar in nature, were
proposed as double binding paradoxical contexts. As such, Erikson's
views were seen as metaphors of systemic and heuristic value to the
author.
This dissertation hypothesised that the therapeutic system was a
subsystem in interaction with the abusive subsystem and as such would
reflect within its content and process the secrets and interactions of the
incestuous family system. In investigating this hypothesis, the
interactions between the secret incestuous subsystems and other family
subsystems were examined. The findings of this work confirm the
hypothesis.
It is hoped that the application of this knowledge shall enable therapists
and investigators to identify the possibility of incest in the narrative of
adults and thereby avoid reports of incest being dismissed, avoided or
clouded by scientific discussion. As such, the occurrence of incest, which
is often an unmentionable secret, may be addressed and the patterns of
incest identified in the initial conversation with the victim.