Volume 25 Num. 3 - October 2025
Psychological consequences of fraternal incest
Volume 25 Num. 3 - October 2025 - Pages 301-308
Authors:
Saadi, SE
Abstract:
Fraternal incest, due to its transgressive nature, is a form of sexual abuse with severe psychological repercussions. This study aimed to explore the relationships between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative symptoms, and attachment styles among female victims of fraternal incest in Tunisia. Seventy adult women with a history of fraternal incest participated in the study. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist -DSM-5 (PCL-5), dissociative experiences with the Dissociative Experiences Scale -Second Edition (DES-II), and attachment styles with the Experiences in Close Relationships Revised (ECR-R16). The results indicate a substantial mental health impact of Sibling Incest. Nearly three-quarters of participants met the clinical threshold for post-traumatic stress, and a substantial proportion exhibited insecure attachment patterns and notable dissociative symptoms. Significant positive correlations were found between PTSD symptoms, dissociative experiences, and insecure attachment. Age and duration of abuse were significantly associated with higher PCL-5 scores, while no significant effects were observed for DES-II or ECR-R16. Younger participants and those exposed for more than two years had higher PCL-5 scores. These findings emphasise the interconnected roles of PTSD, dissociation, and insecure attachment among survivors of sibling incest, highlighting the need for integrative, trauma-informed approaches and for further research specifically on sibling incest to better understand its dynamics.
How to cite this paper:
Saadi SE (2025). Psychological consequences of fraternal incest. International Journal of Psychology & Psychological Therapy, 25, 3, 301-308.
Key words:
Sibling incest, attachment, dissociative experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder
Full Article
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