Faith and Forbidden Feelings: A Brief Report on Religion as a Source of Conflict and Coping Among Minor-Attracted Persons

This brief report examines how religion influences the self-perception, coping strategies, and psychological well-being of individuals who experience minor attraction. Through a mixed-methods survey of 70 self-identified minor-attracted persons (MAPs), we assessed religious affiliation, level of observance, theological interpretations of attraction, perceived community stigma, and coping resources. Quantitative findings reveal a high level of religious engagement among respondents, with 60% identifying as somewhat or very observant. Qualitative responses show that while religion provides some MAPs with existential meaning and ethical direction, it also contributes to internalized stigma and spiritual distress. These results suggest a complex, ambivalent relationship between religious belief and minor attraction, one marked by both resilience and suffering. Implications for clinical care and pastoral responses are discussed.