We received an online study that we have already linked to in the GSA forum and would also like to make available to our readers on SuH.

Dear Sir or Madam,

we cordially invite you to participate in a scientific online study conducted by the University of Bonn and the University of Duisburg-Essen on the topic: “Legal pathways and alternatives for Minor Attracted Persons (MAPs): Dealing with sexual needs and the influence of personality.”

The study is carried out by Franziska Mathäus, M.A., Jeanne Desbuleux, M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. med. Johannes Fuß.

The study is aimed at adults (women and men, at least 18 years old) who feel attracted to minors.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could share the information about the study and the participation link within your network and – if the study is relevant to you – consider taking part yourself.

The study focuses on strategies for dealing with emotional and sexual needs in individuals who are sexually attracted to minors (Minor Attracted Persons, MAPs). 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 English

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, feel free to contact us at: s82fmath@uni-bonn.de or info@franziska-mathaeus.de

Thank you for your trust and support.

Sincerely,

The Research Team Franziska Mathäus, M.A. University of Bonn

Prof. Dr. med. Johannes Fuß Jeanne Desbuleux, M.Sc. University of Duisburg-Essen