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Searching through millions of pages of curated science papers, published books and articles to find relevant knowledge. All verified citations are included in the 'References' section at the bottom of this answer.
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The attraction of some men to young women barely outside puberty—often termed ephebophilia or hebephilia—is a complex phenomenon rooted in biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. While evolutionary biology suggests that youth may signal fertility, the modern manifestation of this attraction often reflects deeper dysfunctions, including psychospiritual stuntedness, hormonal disruptions, and societal normalization of deviant behaviors.
From an evolutionary perspective, younger females are often perceived as more fertile, which may explain why some men are biologically predisposed to find them attractive. However, this does not justify predatory behavior, as modern ethical and legal standards recognize the inherent harm in adult-minor relationships. Research …