Hebephilia

Hebephilia is defined as a primary or exclusive sexual interest in pubescent individuals aged approximately 11–14 years. Hebephilia differs from ephebophilia, which refers to the sexual preference for individuals in later adolescence, and from pedophilia, which refers to the sexual preference for prepubescent children. The onset of puberty varies from child to child, but, on average, girls begin the process of puberty at age 10 or 11; boys at age 11 or 12. While individuals with a sexual preference for adults (i.e., teleiophiles) may have some sexual interest in pubescent-aged individuals, the term hebephilia is reserved for those who prefer pubescent-aged individuals over adults. The term was introduced by Glueck (1955), who later credited it, without citation, to Paul Benedict.

Debate is ongoing over whether hebephilia is a mental disorder, with Ray Blanchard and a number of his colleagues from CAMH arguing for its inclusion in the DSM-5. The proposal has been criticized by Richard Green, Allen Frances, Michael First (DSM-IV editor), Karen Franklin, Charles Allen Moser, William O'Donohue, and other mental health professionals on various grounds. The current draft of the DSM-5, on which Blanchard serves as Chair of the Paraphilias Sub-Work Group, includes Blanchard's proposal.