Hebephilic

Hebephilic offenders (those who prefer adolescent girls) and ephebophilic offenders (those with a homosexual preference for adolescent boys) exhibit characteristics which parallel those of the pedophile.

It is difficult to categorize juveniles who commit sex crimes against other children. Within this group there are hebephilic offenders who prefer adolescent females, ephebophilic offenders with a homosexual preference, and still others who appears generally pedophilic (Costell, 1980, p. 30).

Costell (1980) describes similar characteristics in hebephilic offenders (preferring adolescent girls) and ephebophilic offenders (preferring adolescent boys).