Participants are needed for a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Bonn and University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. The study aims to gain an overview of lawful means of sexual satisfaction among people who are attracted to children, whether specific personality traits influence these decisions, and the impact of changes tightening sexual criminal laws regarding such outlets.
People who are age 18 or older and identify as being attracted to minors are invited to participate by completing a 15-minute survey. The survey is available in both English and German. Interested potential participants can learn more or complete the survey using the following link:
The researchers have provided the following message with additional information about the study and how to participate:
“Legal pathways and alternatives for Minor Attracted Persons (MAPs): Dealing with sexual needs and the influence of personality”
The study focuses on strategies for dealing with emotional and sexual needs in individuals who are sexually attracted to minors. Its aim is to better understand which legal and illegal methods are used to cope with these needs, and how personality traits, the subjective experience of sexual urges, and legal frameworks influence these decisions.
People who experience a sexual interest in minors also have a need for sexual expression. However, this need can only be expressed to a very limited extent within legal and social boundaries. Legal forms of expression are rarely available or have become increasingly restricted due to legislative changes, such as the introduction of § 184l of the German Criminal Code, which criminalizes the possession and distribution of childlike sex dolls. These legal developments have made it more difficult for affected individuals to live out their sexuality in accordance with the law, without harming real children or adolescents (Desbuleux & Fuss, 2023, 2024; German Bundestag, 2020; Frommel, 2021).
Since it is generally not possible to permanently suppress or ignore one’s sexuality, many people with this sexual preference are limited to inner fantasies and masturbation. This often leads to long-term internal conflict. For this reason, it is important to gain more insight into the legal strategies currently used by affected individuals, and to understand how recent legislative changes—particularly in Germany—have impacted their options and daily lives.
Participation in the study is anonymous, voluntary, and takes approximately 15 minutes. No personal data such as names or IP addresses will be collected. Your responses will be transmitted via encrypted connection, treated confidentially, and analyzed exclusively in aggregated statistical form.
To participate in the English version of the study, please click the following link:
https://syskrim.limesurvey.net/648689?lang=en
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, feel free to contact us at:
s82fmath@uni-bonn.de or info@franziska-mathaeus.de
Franziska Mathäus (University of Bonn), Jeanne Desbuleux (University of Duisburg-Essen), Johannes Fuß (University of Duisburg-Essen)
