Defying Determinism: Strategies Employed by Minor-Attracted Persons to Remain Resilient Against Sexual Offending

• In Event: Stigma, Desire, and Social Control

Abstract

Often assumed to be child molesters, individuals who are attracted to minors are a common folk devil in today’s society. However, there has been very limited research with this population. Little is known about the population of minor-attracted persons (MAPs) who remain resilient to sex offending. Even less is known about coping strategies employed by these individuals, who are faced with extreme stigma, and are often turned away from counseling services due to the concern that they may be a threat to children. This study uses data from qualitative interviews with approximately 30 non-offending MAPs to explore these individuals’ commitment to refrain from acting on their attractions in the face of stigma from the general population, as well as stigma from mental health practitioners from whom MAPs may seek help. Implications for the role of public health policy as a mechanism for encouraging resilience among MAPs will be discussed.

Author

• Allyson Walker, John Jay College of Criminal Justice