A preliminary examination of sexual interest in children in a non-representative community sample of females

Abstract

There are few empirical studies examining sexological features of sexual interest in children among females. A non-representative sample of 20 females and 208 males who self-identified as having a sexual interest in children completed an anonymous survey. The primary purpose of the present study was to examine sexological features of sexual interest in children among females. Most females reported interest in prepubescent and pubescent children and rated their interest in different age categories similarly. Most females reported an interest in boys. Females first experienced sexual attractions during childhood, but awareness of sexual interest in children occurred later in their adolescence.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The project was supported by a research contract awarded by Public Safety Canada.