The Role of Coping Strategies, Impulsivity and Hypersexuality on the Fear of Offending Among Minor Attracted Persons (MAPs)

Despite generally low rates of sexual offenses among Minor attracted persons (MAPs) and their high desire not to engage in such acts, concerns about the possibility of offending remain significant for some individuals within this population. Consequently, how MAPs deal with this fear is an important question that needs to be addressed. In this study, 299 male MAPs were recruited online to examine how the reliance on different coping strategies impacts their fear of engaging in sexual behaviors with minors. In study 1, binary logistic regression analyses revealed that waiting for the fear to pass on its own, substance use, and masturbation to sexual fantasies involving children are associated with the fear of offending. Impulsivity also played a role in heightening the fear of offending. In study 2, latent class analysis of the intensity of sexual fantasies identified three groups. In each of these three groups, the association between hypersexuality and participants' fear of engaging in sexual behaviors with minors was analyzed. Results indicated that MAPs with the highest intensity and diversity of sexual fantasies were the most susceptible to not only fear of engaging in sexual behaviors with minors but also, to rely on inappropriate coping strategies. These findings highlight the necessity of understanding sexual attraction toward minors within a broader context of polymorphic sexual interests.