One of the paraphilias, characterized by marked distress over, or acting on, urges involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child who, more often than not, is of the same sex.
A paraphilia involving sexual activity of adults with children as the objects. It may involve any form of heterosexual or homosexual intercourse.
A sexual variance characterized by a person gaining sexual gratification by having sexual relations with children.
Sexual activity, either homosexual or heterosexual, of an adult with a child.
A chronic mental disorder in which an older teen or adult is sexually attracted exclusively or in part to pre- pubescent children. Pedophilia is more common in males than females. Risk factors include having been sexually abused as a child, having other mental disorders, and substance abuse. Because pedophilic behaviors are illegal, an affected person is dealt with by both the criminal justice system and health-care professionals.
Repeated sexual activity by a person at least 16 years of age with children at least 5 years younger who have not yet reached puberty. Pedophilia is more common in males than females. Most pedophiles are attracted to females, but some are drawn to males or to both sexes. Typically those attracted to females prefer children in the 8- to 10-year-old range; those attracted to males usually prefer slightly older children. Some people with this disorder experience erotic sensations only toward children, while some are also attracted to adults. Pedophile sexual activity may be confined to undressing or fondling the child or masturbating in his or her presence, or it may extend to stimulating the child’s genitals with the mouth or fingers or penetrating the anus, mouth, or vagina with fingers, objects, or the penis.
Sexual attraction to children (of either sex). The condition is usually caused by psychological and social factors, which affect the development of sexuality. Pedophiles may seek treatment because of society’s disapproval: ‘behavior therapy can be used, or the sexual drive can be reduced by drug treatment.