The model's premise is that all families have a degree of vulnerability to incest based on individual, family, and environmental factors which may spawn incest if a precipitating event occurs and the family's coping skills are low. Vulnerability factors include incest in one or both parents' family of origin, family members' personality characteristics (e.g., poor impulse control, the need for immediate gratification, and the need for constant love and adoration), family system factors, and socioenvironmental factors (e.g., social isolation and chronic stress). Common precipitating events are substance abuse, particularly alcohol intoxication; mother's absence from home; and acute stress. Family coping mechanisms that can counter vulnerability factors and precipitating events include a strong social network, consistent religious beliefs, and a local support group such as Parent's Anonymous and Parent's United. Clinical assessment in incest cases should obtain information on vulnerability factors, precipitants, and family coping mechanisms. From the assessment, a treatment plan should be developed to focus on the reduction of vulnerability, the decrease of precipitants, and an increase in family coping skills. 2 notes and 22 references.