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.