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Abstract
This study examined qualitative data on 1,795 male, 139 female, and 78 transgender members of the adult baby/diaper lover (ABDL) online community. Using grounded theory, the analyses examined a description of ABDL practices, explored evidence of subgroups within the ABDL community, and examined the degree to which ABDL behavior involves sexual motivations. Overall, the data suggest there is a fair amount of diversity within the ABDL community. Most participants enjoy wearing diapers or engaging in age regression (as babies or children), and the importance of incontinence may vary. ABDL practices can reflect bondage play for some individuals and a way to cope with medical problems for others. Overall, there is modest evidence of more than two ABDL subgroups. Although a large number of individuals do not see their ABDL practices as sexual in nature, there is a clear contingent that describes sexual motivations. For some, sex during ABDL activity violates conceptions of baby play. Nonsexual motivations include a desire to relax or be carefree as well as a desire to be nurtured. Some diaper lovers and adult babies have the same goals but achieve them in different ways. ABDL practices may be as diverse as seemingly typical sexual behaviors.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank all of the participants for their generous time and kind support of this project, as well as B. Terrance Grey for his invaluable input. I appreciate their willingness to educate us. Without their sharing, this project would not be possible.