Psychological analysis of Self-Concept aspects in personality structure of individuals with incest trauma
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29038/2227-1376-2025-45-hluKeywords:
family, incest, personality, self-concept, child sexual abuseAbstract
Purpose. The aim of this article is to provide a theoretical analysis of the psychological characteristics of the Self-concept of personality who have experienced incest trauma and to identify specific features of self-perception in adulthood.
Methods. The study employed methods of theoretical analysis of scientific literature (analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison) to explore the peculiarities of self-concept of personality with incest trauma.
Results. The theoretical analysis revealed that self-concept of personality who have experienced incest trauma is marked by excessive concern for personal safety, a lack of trust in the world and a pessimistic perception of present and potential future events. Incestuous experiences disrupt the child’s social identity, perception of sexuality, body image and ability to from close, intimate relationships. Three profiles of Sexual Self-concept among individuals with trauma were outlined: the confident and non-preoccupied, the demeaning and depressive, the hyperconfident and preoccupied. It was found that, in terms of gender, male and female self-concept are generally equivalent, however men more frequently exhibit confusion regarding sexual identity and perceptions of masculinity.
Conclusions. The Self-concept of personality with incest trauma processes district features and differs significantly from that of personality who have not experienced such trauma. On the emotional level it is characterized by feelings od defectiveness, shame and loneliness. The cognitive dimension includes low self-esteem, confusion between the concept of love/sex/intimacy and obsessive thoughts of suicide. Incest trauma disrupts the development of positive social identity and healthy models of familial and partner relationships. The physical self-image is often filled with negative attitudes toward appearance and the perception of one’s body as alienated and betraying. The self-concept in such individuals is also marked by traumatic sexuality, manifested though dissociation during sexual activity, heightened vigilance, shame and guilt.
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