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 | Boy lovers: A term used by pedophiles who are attracted primarily to boys. |
| Ephebophila: A condition in which an adult, usually male, is sexually attracted to young people about the age of puberty. It is sometimes used as a synonym for "hebephilia." |
| Girl lovers: A term used by pedophiles who are attracted primarily to girls. |
| Hebephilia: A condition in which an adult, usually male, is sexually attracted to post-pubertal adolescents (14 to 17). |
| Infantophilia: A rare form of pedophilia in which the primary interest is a child 24 month or younger. |
| Lolita syndrome: Synonym for ephebophilia. |
| Paraphilia: An umbrella term which includes many conditions in which an adult's sexual arousing fantasies involve non-human objects, the infliction of pain, non-adults, or other non-consenting persons. Some examples are: ephebophila, exhibitionism, hebephilia, fetishism, frotteurism, pedophilia, sexual masochism, sexual sadism, transvestite behavior, and voyeurism. It is derived from two Greek words: ''para" means "beyond" and "philia" means "love for." |
| Pederasty: A condition in which an adult, usually male, is sexually attracted to post-pubertal adolescents (14 to 17). |
| Pedophile: According to the American Psychiatric Association: "A person who over at least a 6 month period has recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children (age 13 years or younger). The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The person is at least age 16 years and at least 5 years older than the child or children. Not to include an individual in late adolescence involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a 12 or 13 year old (straight or gay). Individuals with pedophilia generally report an attraction to children of a particular age range. Some individuals prefer males, others prefer females, and some are aroused by both males and females. Pedophila involving female victims is reported more than pedophilia involving male victims." 1 |
| Pedophila: A condition in which an adult, usually male, is sexually attracted primarily to pre-pubertal children -- those aged 13 years or under. It is derived from two Greek words: ''pedo" means "child;" and "philia" means "love for." Most are attracted to children in a specific age group (e.g. 5 or 6). Fewer are attracted to young people of any age up to puberty. |
| Phebophilia: Alternative term for Ephebophilia. Both words are derived from the Greek words ''phepius" means "youth;" and "philia" means "love for." |
Notes:
An unknown percentage of pedophiles act on their feelings. They molest children, and become an abusive pedophile. Others do not abuse, and are not a threat to children.
Concerning ephebophiles, hebephiles, and pedophiles:
| Some are of the exclusive type where the individual is sexually attracted only to young persons. Others are of the non-exclusive type where there is also some attraction to other adults. 2 |
| They may be sexually attracted to children of the same gender, the opposite gender, or to both genders. |
| Most mental health specialists agree that there is no cure for these disorders. However an ephebophile, hebephile, and pedophiles may be successfully treated so that they no longer act out their feelings of attraction by abusing young people. |
The meaning of the term "pedophile" is in transition. Many people use the term to refer to a child rapist/molester. Unfortunately, this leaves no term for a person who feels sexual attraction to children, but does not act on their feelings.
Reference:
- Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, American Psychiatric Association, (1994).
- "Interview with Frederick S. Berlin," United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997-SEP-8, at: http://www.nccbuscc.org/comm/kit6.htm
Copyright © 2002 to 2006 by Ontario Consultants on Religious
Tolerance
Originally written: 2002-MAY-8
Latest update: 2006-MAR-27
Author: B.A. Robinson
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