ABSTRACT
It is surprising that so many therapists treat incest families without an organizing framework for the cause and maintenance of intrafamilial sexual abuse. Recently, there have been increased suggestions from those working in the field for the building of etiological theories for incestuous abuse (e.g., Conte, 1986; deYoung, 1982; Finkelhor, 1984; Tierney & Corwin, 1983). This interest has developed because of both the expanded research on sexual abuse and the recognition that effective treatment programs must be based upon a cogent framework.
