Genetic sexual attraction is attraction between biological family members, often occurring after a long period of separation. It is not synonymous with incest and is caused by factors such as basic human attraction and lack of bonding with family members. The Westermarck effect, which prevents inbreeding, does not occur when babies are separated at birth. The phenomenon is believed to affect at least 50% of adoptees reunited with their biological family.
Genetic sexual attraction is a phenomenon of sexual attraction between biological family members that typically occurs after close relatives, such as siblings or parents and children, are reunited after a long period of separation, usually separation from birth. It is important to note, however, that the name can be misleading, as the phenomenon often does not lead to actual sexual contact between family members. The name was coined by Barbara Gonyo in the 1980s in an attempt to separate the issue from incest, because incest is generally considered synonymous with abuse. Genetic sexual attraction, on the other hand, occurs between consenting adults who know nothing of their family ties prior to meeting and, in some cases, have no idea that they are even related when they meet. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by several factors, especially basic human attraction and lack of bonding with family members which typically occurs in the early stages of one’s life.
It has long been believed that humans are most attracted to those with similar physical attributes. When siblings are raised together, or when biological parents raise their own biological children, something known as the Westermarck effect occurs. This is believed to be a biological evolution that prevents inbreeding and effectively turns off the sexual attraction part of a person’s brain when it comes to people they have grown up with and consider family. When babies are separated at birth, the Westermarck effect doesn’t occur. The lack of this imprinting couples with the tendency of humans to be attracted to those who look like them to become what is considered a major cause of genetic sexual attraction.
The close bonding with kin that occurs during the infant and toddler years, especially between a mother and her child, is another reason for genetic sexual attraction. After a long separation, family members report feeling an immediate need to tighten this bond, which often translates into feelings of attraction and a strong and almost indescribable need to feel close to each other. The closeness that comes from cuddling, kissing and comforting a child is one of man’s most important biological needs, according to many psychologists, and the lack of this closeness can turn into sexual attraction. This need is what makes this phenomenon more likely to affect mothers and their children.
The social stigma attached to incestuous relationships and, therefore, the lack of reporting means that researchers are having a hard time putting a number on how many people experience genetic sexual attraction. Despite this, many adoption agencies and post-adoption support groups believe that this phenomenon affects at least 50 percent of adoptees who are reunited with their biological family.
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