ATTRIBUTION OF BLAME IN INCEST AMONG MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Attribution of blame was examined in three samples differing in education and experience (38 undergraduates, 31 graduate students, 37 MA clinicians). 106 subjects completed the Jackson Incest Blame Scale, which yields four blame factors, situation, victim, society, and offender. The four factor scores were analyzed using 2 (sex) X 3 (education) analysis of variance. Attribution of blame decreased as a function of more education. The blame scores of men were significantly higher than those of women on all factors except offender. The percentage of graduate students and clinicians indicating a history of sexual abuse fell in the upper range of estimates of incidence. Individuals with histories of abuse differed only on their attribution of blame to situational factors.