In no instance was the mother psychotic, and half of the women were married at the time of sexual abuse. There was, however, significant marital discord in all marriages when sexual abuse was initiated. Approximately 25 percent of the mothers abused drugs. With regard to the sons, all had problems maintaining a long-term relationship: 88 percent had taken care of their parent(s) and suffered depression as an adult; 75 percent had multiple concurrent sexual partners; 63 percent were significantly involved in drugs; and 38 percent had sexual identity problems. In seven cases, the mother began seduction and sexual abuse while the son was prepubescent and continued until at least early adolescence. Characteristically, mothers sought emotional and physical closeness from their sons instead of more appropriate persons. Research questions raised by case history analysis are noted. 19 references, 1 table. (Author abstract modified)