Primal-scene experiences as recalled and reported by college students

Theoretical and clinical anecdotal studies have assigned considerable significance to the witnessing of and fantasizing about parental sexuality for a person's later understanding and behavior, especially with regard to sexuality and male-female relations. Little is known, however, about the psychology of primal-scene experience, especially if one seeks any systematic or formal data. Even such basic facts as the incidence of recalled primal-scene exposure or fantasy are unavailable, as are any normative data regarding the reactions that may be provoked by such experience. In this study, 345 college student respondents completed questionnaires stating their age and reactions at the time of their initial awareness of their parents' sexual relationship, any actual primal-scene observations, and their ideas and reactions to the idea of their parents' present sexual lives.