While previous research has examined the factors associated with incest offending, few studies have focused on offenders’ self-reported motives for incestuous sexual offending. The current study explored incest offenders’ motivation for sexual offending behavior within the context of their past and present life experiences. Participants were eight male incestuous offenders enrolled in treatment for sexual offenses against their biological daughters, stepdaughters, or adoptive daughters. A series of three qualitative interviews lasting approximately 1.5 hours each were conducted with each participant; questioning centered on the first, typical, and last incidents of sexual contact with their victim and the circumstances in their lives before and during the sexual offenses. Data analysis was guided by grounded theory and relied on coding categories and themes that emerged from the interviews. The results indicated that abuse in their families-of-origin was a common theme among the offenders, although only one offender drew a clear connection between early life history and motives to offend. Another theme that emerged from the interviews was that all offenders reported problems in their lives just before offending onset; the most common problem was conflict within the marital relationship. Both nonsexual and sexual motives for the offending behavior were described by the offenders, including a need for closeness and acceptance. Implications for treatment are discussed, including the need for intimacy enhancement in offenders’ current and appropriate adult sexual relationships. References