IAV

Incest Avoidance

Class: IV - Unknown or Disputed

EPA Total Score: 1 /100

Bevc, I., & Silverman, I. (1993). Early proximity and intimacy between siblings and incestuous behavior: A test of the Westermarck theory. Ethology and Sociobiology, 14, 171-181.

Abstract: This study was based on the Westermarck hypothesis, which maintains that the proximate mechanism for sibling incest avoidance is continued proximity in early childhood. Using a survey method, we compared university students reporting sibling incest with a matched sample of those reporting no such experience on measures of both early intimacy of the sibling pair (e.g., sleeping arrangements, practices regarding nudity) and early separations between them. Intimacy variables did not relate to incestuous behavior. Separation for more than a year during the first six years was significantly related to sexual activities which culminated in anal, oral, or attempted or actual genital intercourse (labeled consummatory behaviors), but this difference in regard to nonconsummatory sexual activities was in the opposite direction. It was suggested that previous interpretations of the Westermarck effect implying that early cohabitation produces sexual disinterest may require revision. Early association may function instead to provide a barrier to more mature, consummatory sexual activities and, hence, reduce procreative potential.

DJGlass


Supporting Evidence

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10/100

Submitted by DJGlass

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Supporting Evidence is evidence that suggests that this trait is an Evolved Psychological Adaptation (EPA) - i.e., that it has been shaped by natural selection to solve a particular adaptive problem.

Challenging Evidence

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0/100

Submitted by DJGlass

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Challenging Evidence is evidence that suggests that this trait is not an EPA - e.g., that it is a product of cultural learning or genetic drift, or maybe it does not exist at all. However over each line of evidence for a description.