Citation

Lester D. J. Sex Res. 1972; 8(4): 268-285.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1972, Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality)

DOI

10.1080/00224497209550762

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The study of incest has been characterized by a degree of bias that is unusual in psychological research. This bias most likely results from the researchers' attitudes which were condemnatory of incestuous behavior. Like other so-called taboo topics, incest has stimulated many papers, but the quality of these papers is often poor. They tend to report one or more instances of incest, which are often bizarre cases. Many of the studies of incest participants fail to employ control groups.
This review will survey the following areas: the prevalence of incest, data on inbreeding in animals, the psychological and physiological effects of incest, research on the characteristics of the participants in incest, and the origin of the incest taboo. In each area, research biases will be noted and the present state of knowledge reviewed...