Intergenerational Effects of Incest on Parenting: Skills, Abilities, and Attitudes

Abstract

Women's perceptions of generational influences of incest on their skills, abilities, and attitudes toward parenting their own children were investigated. Overarching themes that emerged were classified as unbalanced development, disconnected lives, and disowned dramas. Implications for clinical intervention, parent training, and future research are discussed.

Experiences of Mothers Who Are Child Sexual Abuse Survivors: A Qualitative Exploration

“…The quantitative work in this area has suggested that when compared to their non-abused counterparts, mothers who are also survivors of CSA have greater difficulty with parenting practices including maintaining appropriate boundaries with children (DiLillo, 2001), being too permissive, and engaging in harsh discipline (DiLillo & Damashek, 2003). Only a few qualitative studies have addressed the impact of CSA on women’s parenting (Armsworth & Stronck, 1999; Burkett, 1991; Roller, 2011; Wright, Fopma-Loy, & Oberle, 2012) even though both quantitative and qualitative studies have been recommended in advancing the study of violence against women (Testa, Livingston, & VanZile-Tamsen, 2011). …”

“…We are aware of only four qualitative studies examining the impact of CSA on parenting (Armsworth & Stronck, 1999; Burkett, 1991; Roller, 2011; Wright et al, 2012). Burkette (1991) conducted a study of twenty mothers with histories of CSA committed by a family member and twenty women without such abuse histories.…”

“…Results revealed that abused mothers were more likely to describe only the rewards or drawbacks while non-abused mothers described both the rewards and drawbacks (Burkett, 1991). Armsworth and Stronck (1999) conducted a qualitative study of 40 mothers who had histories of incest, were parents for at least one year, and had been to counseling or a support group for their CSA. Participants were asked questions about how their abuse may have affected their own parenting.…”

“…The four aforementioned qualitative studies asked survivors questions about their feelings about being a mother (Burkett, 1991), the impact of CSA on their parenting (Armsworth & Stronck, 1999; Roller, 2011), or how they see the relationship between their experiences of CSA and being parents (Wright et al, 2012). However, there may be effects of CSA which impact survivors’ parenting that survivors do not consciously link to their parenting.…”

Group Work with Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse and Neglect: A Psychoeducational Approach

“…Groups are beneficial to survivors in a number of ways. First, groups serve as a support system and help members develop a sense of belonging, thereby reducing their sense of isolation (Armsworth & Stronck, 1999;Draucker, 1999;Zaidi, 1999) and instilling a sense of hope (Gorey et al, 2001). Developing relationships within the group reduces the mistrust of others that survivors often experience, and this opportunity helps them begin to form more meaningful relationships with others (Ainscough & Toon, 1993;Draucker, 1999;Lubin et al, 1998).…”