Sexually abusive families: A comparison of father and stepfather incest offenders and their spouses

This study compares the personalities and family environments of father and stepfather incest offenders and their spouses. Further comparisons of the sexually abusive behaviors were conducted between both groups of offenders. The sample consisted of 24 father offenders and spouses and 21 stepfather offenders and spouses who had been reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Control subjects consisted of 11 fathers and spouses and 9 stepfathers and spouses who were receiving treatment for marital difficulties. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and Family Environment Scale were used to measure personality and family environment. No interaction was found to exist between abuse versus nonabuse and role in the family on the measures. Significant differences were found to exist between abusers and nonabusers and spouses of abusers and nonabusers. Father and stepfather offenders did not differ in the sexually abusive behaviors committed. Explanations of the findings are explored.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio