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Evaluating the impact of incest on the recovery of alcohol/drug dependent women in residential care
Abstract
A review of the literature indicates the incidence of reported incest has increased dramatically over the past few years. The literature has suggested the existence of a fairly consistent group of psychological and emotional symptoms which afflict adult survivors of incest. In addition, significantly greater numbers of incest survivors are being found in various clinical populations. Alcohol and drug dependent women represent one such group. There appears to be increasing evidence that incest and the resulting constellation of symptoms may be a contributing factor in the development and maintenance of alcohol/drug abuse among some women and should be considered a primary issue in the treatment of these women. Through the use of archival data from a long-term residential care facility, the functioning of alcohol/drug dependent women who are incest victims is compared with rape and non-victims at intake (N = 119), discharge (N = 99), and 1 year follow-up (N = 52). Results indicate that there are greater numbers of abuse victims (rape and incest) among the younger age groups, and that their drinking histories begin earlier than non-victims. Incest victims were more likely to be employed, and to rate relationships with parents and relatives more poorly. There were no differences between groups on measures of self-esteem, previous suicide attempts, psychiatric contact, legal involvement, health problems, use of A.A. supports, or relapse. Sexual abuse classification did not discriminate between those who completed programs and those with early terminations. Those with early termination were, however, found to have had more legal involvements prior to admission, as well as more suicide attempts and psychiatric contact. The merits of addressing sexual abuse issues in residential care settings are discussed. Problems regarding correct identification of abuse victims and in being able to find discriminatory variables in this relatively homogeneous, chronic population are discussed.
Subject Area
Psychotherapy|Womens studies
Recommended Citation
Stephenson, Mark Douglas, "Evaluating the impact of incest on the recovery of alcohol/drug dependent women in residential care" (1990). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9023023.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9023023