Mutiple systems training for treatment of incest : effects on attribution of blame

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Authors
Baney, Daniel L.
Advisor
Nicholas, Donald R.
Issue Date
1992
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (Ph. D.)
Department
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine if a brief and focused training experience, based upon a multiple systems incest treatment model, would reduce attribution of incest blame. As increasing numbers of persons seek treatment for incestuous experiences, trained professionals will be needed who understand the complexities of incest and the impact of attributing blame.The present study utilized extensively Systemic Treatment of Incest: A Therapeutic Handbook by Trepper and Barrett (1989) as a basis for training. Seventy five female and forty male upper level undergraduates enrolled in two Fundamentals of Counseling and two Techniques of Psychological Intervention courses served as subjects. A randomly assigned, two group post-test only design was employed. Participation in a three hour training experience served as the independent variable. The Attribution of Incest Blame Scale (AIBS) offender, mother, victim, societal, and situational blame subscales were dependent variables. It was hypothesized training would reduce levels of blame attribution and that male subjects would blame incest victims more than female subjects. Demographic variables and hypotheses were tested by MANOVA and ANOVA statistical procedures (alpha levels = <.05).Results indicated training had a significant effect in reducing offender and mother blame while increasing situational blame, Males blamed incest victims more than did females, replicating previous findings. Post-training qualitative evaluations suggested the "vulnerability to incest" paradigm, central to systemic treatment of incest, contributed to the findings.