Westermarck Effect

The Westermarck Effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals raised closely together during early childhood tend to develop an innate sexual or romantic aversion to each other later in life. This typically occurs among siblings or children who grow up in close proximity, such as in communal living situations. The effect is believed to serve as an evolutionary mechanism to prevent inbreeding, promoting healthy genetic diversity. In essence, early shared experiences create a natural, subconscious disinclination toward forming romantic bonds with those we are raised alongside.