The disclosure of incest by adolescent daughters: An examination of six cases.
Item
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Title
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The disclosure of incest by adolescent daughters: An examination of six cases.
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Identifier
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AAI8820910
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identifier
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8820910
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Creator
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Waxenberg, Deborah.
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Contributor
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Adviser: I. H. Paul
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Date
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1988
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical
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Abstract
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This dissertation explores the nature and timing of shifts in individual functioning, intrafamilial dynamics, and extrafamilial relationships that can either promote or inhibit the disclosure of incest by adolescent daughters abused by fathers or father surrogates. Six cases of incestuously abused daughters seen in outpatient psychotherapy are presented and discussed in depth. Case material was gathered through interviews with therapists in which the Incest Questionnaire developed by the author was utilized. Three cases illustrate purposeful disclosure; three cases illustrate secrecy maintained through adolescence.;Clinical material suggests that disclosure is supported by a number of interrelated factors including: (1) at least one supportive relationships within or outside of the family; (2) a shift in empathy between mother and daughter in the overall context of a less profoundly alienated relationship; (3) an increase in the offender's sexual demands and possessiveness; and (4) a change in mother's status and power in the family in either a positive or a negative direction. It appears that disclosure often occurs precipitously, despite a daughter's resolution to maintain secrecy, in the face of escalating narcissistic paternal control.;Clinical material further suggests that disclosure is less likely to occur when: (1) daughter is socially isolated; (2) the episodes of abuse are affectively isolated and discontinuous events; (3) mother is either disempowered or disengaged in relation to her husband; and (4) daughter is alienated from mother, who is experienced as excessively punitive, particularly in relation to daughter's sexuality.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
