It is unknown how many people in the general population are
emotionally and sexually attracted to children or adolescents.
Evidence suggests that many adults may have some feelings of
attraction to minors, but these feelings are subordinate to
their feelings for adults (Fedora et al., 1992; Freund, 1981;
Freund & Costell, 1970; Hall et al., 1995; Quinsey et al.,
1975). However, some adults are preferentially attracted to
minors. Most of those who have been identified are males.
Experts estimate that 0.5% to 7% of all males are preferentially
attracted to minors (Abel & Harlow, 2001; Farella, 2002;
Feierman, 1990; West, 1998), although there is no solid data to
support these figures. If these experts are correct, then
between 600,000 and 8 million men in the U.S. are preferentially
attracted to children or adolescents . Attraction to minors
typically involves feelings of affection and being in love
(Howells, 1981; Ingram, 1981; Li, 1990b; Sandfort, 1987; Wilson
& Cox, 1983). Preferential attraction to prepubes