Minor-Attracted Men’s Lived Experiences of Romantic Attraction

Studies of minor-attracted persons have mainly focused on their sexual attractions, and little is known about their romantic attractions. This online qualitative survey study collected 74 self-identified minor-attracted men's anonymous accounts of romantic attraction to minors. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were identified and interpreted: (1) <i>Falling in Love</i>; (2) <i>Recognizing Limitations to Attraction and Relationship Development</i>; (3) <i>Making Sense and Meaning of Romantic Attraction to Minors</i>. Overall, romantic attraction to minors resembles romantic attraction to adults. Findings have implications for how conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of minor attraction may each consider both sexual and romantic domains.