Jane brought her 14-year-old daughter into a remarriage with Rich, who had two children, one a 16-year-old son. All three children lived in the new home with the stepparents. For the first year or so, the two older children fought like cats and dogs, driving the parents to distraction. The parents insisted that the two get along and become friends. The two finally ceased hostilities, much to the relief of the parents, and became inseparable. The parents returned unexpectedly from a weekend trip and discovered the two in bed together. Predictably, the parents were shocked and outraged. Upon being confronted, the daughter commented, “Well, you wanted us to become friends. How much closer can we get?”

1. Is sexual interaction between stepsiblings really incest?

2. Do you know anyone who became or is sexually involved with a stepsibling? Explain without identifying.

3. What are some suggestions you can make to help adolescent stepsiblings handle sexual feelings for each other?