The impact of incest on identity formation in women.

In conclusion, the purpose of this paper was to elucidate some of the long-term impacts of the incest trauma on women. This includes its impact on identity formation. The process of idealization and the creation of an idealized image as a defensive and adaptive strategy to cope with overwhelming trauma was highlighted. This initially successful coping mechanism later causes problems in limiting the individual's self-perception and restricting her relationships with others. This is frequently manifested in problems that the adult survivor presents in regard to interpersonal relationships, as well as revictimization and an inhibition in identifying and expressing certain aspects of herself. The goal of treatment is therefore twofold. I am in agreement with Alpert (1991), van der Kolk (1987), and others who stress the importance of the validation and integration of the trauma and related affects through the recovery and reliving of past memories. Additionally, an analysis of the character structure that the person developed to cope with overwhelming and damaging experiences is essential. The achievement of a more cohesive, integrated sense of self for an adult survivor of incest can only be accomplished through the working through of past traumas and the understanding of its effect on identity development and character structure. This aspect of the treatment process was best expressed by one of my patients, who said, "the first part of my analysis dealt with remembering and reliving what happened to me, the second part is dealing with who I had to become and not become as a result of it." She later added that she felt the second part is even more difficult and challenging.