Mothers of daughters subjected to incest: Differential psychosocial factors affecting maternal supportiveness of the child

Factors related to maternal nonsupport of daughter incest victims were studied. In NJ, ten in- and 24 out-patient sexual abuse therapists reported via a questionnaire about their 39 in- and 59 out-patient mother-clients of substantiated incest. Seventy-six independent variables about the mother were studied. Independent variables were: parenting of the daughter-victim, the child's age, clinical measures, actual and the perception of financial dependence upon the abuser, friendships and prior childhood victimization. Maternal supportiveness was factor---analyzed into: attitudes; General Belief (6 items) and behaviors; Prevents Access (3 items). Abusers and mothers were "mates" (70%). Mothers believed their daughter's abuse allegations (80%). Mothers aligned with the abusers for financial reasons. One-third of the daughters were placed for safety. Maternal "perception of financial dependence" on mate was the only significant multivariate result for both Support Factors.;CPS policies and psychotherapy should address maternal financial perceptions. Regional and SES differences need further research.