‘Minor-Attracted People’: Attitudes toward people attracted to prepubescent children and the impact on professionals.

Abstract

Minor-Attracted People (MAPs) have been found to experience higher stigma, negative attitudes, and misconceptions than other populations affecting their propensity to seek and find suitable treatment (Heron et al., 2021; Jahnke et al., 2015a; Jahnke & Hoyer, 2013; Jahnke et al., 2015b; Jara & Jeglic, 202; Stiels-Glenn, 2010). This research project aims to promote a better understanding of the attitudes, stigma and misconceptions towards MAPs and the impact of offence (offending, non-offending) and offence type (contact, non-contact), as well as the use of the terminology MAP among a sample of the public and professionals. Additionally, the purpose of this project is to provide insights into the associative stigma experienced by therapy providers working with MAPs, if any. The data for this project was collected through a systematic review of the literature using a Narrative Synthesis as well as through open-ended questions from a panel of experts using the Delphi method. The attitudes towards MAPs were found to be punitive by the public but more accepting by professionals. The level of stigma toward MAPs was found to be less in the professional sample than in the public. Misconceptions were found to exist in both samples. The terminology MAP was found to be useful and less stigmatising by therapy providers. Therapy providers reported that they experience stigmatisation due to their work with MAPs. These findings indicate the need for more specific training about minor-attraction and support for professionals, to enable more treatment opportunities available for MAPs. Additionally, the need for further research regarding the associative stigma experienced by professionals working with MAPs including different professional groups has been identified. Furthermore, the gap in the literature regarding the significance of the offence type (contact or non-contact) in influencing people’s attitudes, stigma, and misconceptions towards MAPs, remains and has been highlighted.