incest most probably forms the bulk of these cases. In this regard, it is estimated that between 10 and 15 percent of the population has had some form of sexual contact with a sibling. Canavan, Meyer and Higgs (1992) place the frequency of older brother/younger sister incest at about five times the rate of parent-child incest.
What is especially alarming about these high figures is that they may actually be underestimates. In this regard, several authors (e.g. Brunngraber, 1986; Campbell & Humphreys, 1984; Rubinelli, 1980; Shapshay & Vines, 1982) have pointed out that one major problem with the incest literature is that cases of incest are under-reported, and that this under-reporting has contributed to failures in terms of understanding the full psycho-dynamics of the phenomenon. Adding to difficulties in understanding the psychodynamics of incest is the fact that only in the last decade or so has the medical community even realized the widespread nature of the phenomenon or the fact that its impact can be devastating for the victim.
In summary, this research shows that sibling incest is a widespread problem most likely accounting for the bulk of the cases of incest. A substantial part of sibling incest is that of older brother/younger sister incestuous relationships.
Types of Older-Brother/Younger-Sister Incest
Older brother/younger sister incest can vary in kind. According to Courtois (1988), there are three basic types. First, there are cases where pubertal brothers engage in sexual experimentation with naive sisters. Commonly, although this type can be compulsive while ongoing, it tends to be of relatively short duration, ceasing when the brother gets more involved with peers outside of the family.
Courtois (1988) reports that the second type of older brother/younger sister incest occurs as a method of seeking affection or nurturance. In these cases, the brother has been rejected by his parents or s...