A recently published study based on in-depth interviews with six UK fathers convicted of abusing their own children or step-children gives insight into the common characteristics that put men at risk for this profoundly damaging behavior. These include dysfunctional family environments in their own upbringing, an instrumentalizing attitude toward having children (i.e. doing it to please a partner rather than out of intrinsic desire for kids), lack of real interest in their children, feelings of entitlement to adoration by their spouse and resentment for not receiving it, and sexual rejection by their spouse. Insight into these dynamics may help social workers in identifying families most at risk.
Why Do Fathers Commit Incest?
