Normal sexual curiosity, exploration, and experimentation among siblings in childhood and adolescence can be distinguished from sexual exploitation or sexually abusive behavior, although both types of behavior may be displayed by the same sibling pair. Sexual behavior which can be termed incestuous may occur among various family members e. Distinguishing normal sexual exploratory behavior from sexually abusive behavior is difficult in itself, but the difficulty is compounded by attempting to distinguish between nonabusive and abusive incest. What is considered to be normal, what is considered incestuous, what is considered abusive or nonabusive depends in part upon the values and norms of the culture.

Fondling and touching of the genitals were the most common activities in all age categories. One-fourth of the experiences could be described as exploitative either because force was used or because there was a large age disparity between the partners. Reactions to the experiences were equally divided among those who considered them positive and those who considered them negative. Females were more likely than males to have been exploited and feel badly about it. Few participants of either sex ever told anyone. The research finds evidence that such experience may have long-term effects on sexual development. Females who report sibling sexual experiences, both positive and negative, have substantially higher levels of current sexual activity.

Childhood sexual health exploration in the form of play is natural and healthy, and involves sexual behaviors that:. In particular, typical sexual behaviors of younger children do not include more advanced adult-like sex behaviors. In adolescents, some "normative" sex behaviors that include more advanced sex activities may be defined as problematic and illegal by family or cultural norms or state and federal laws. When working with parents or other caregivers, professionals should emphasize the importance of remaining calm and provide information about caregiver responses for typical sex behaviors. How do you know if sibling sexual experiences are norm ative or concerning?

Siblings play a unique role in one another's lives that simulates the companionship of parents as well as the influence and assistance of friends. However, though a sibling relationship can have both hierarchical and reciprocal elements, [2] this relationship tends to be more egalitarian and symmetrical than with family members of other generations. Furthermore, sibling relationships often reflect the overall condition of cohesiveness within a family. Incest between siblings is most often short-term innocent sexual experimentation by children, but has been an intentional practice among some historical ruling families. The content and context of sibling relationships varies between cultures.