Researchers
Advice and support for those conducting research on MAPs
Free Study Review
Our study review process is not a substitute for the use of an institutional review board to identify ethical issues.MAP Resources will review draft surveys and preprints at no charge for researchers or institutions seeking to improve the quality of life and availability of support for minor-attracted people. Reviews include the following:
Suggestions for removing or replacing stigmatizing language
Impact evaluation for the wording used in questions (surveys only)
Analysis of methods for deterring fake and spam responses (surveys only)
To submit a study for review, reach out using the contact information on our About page with details about your MAP-related research and its goals. Study reviews are provided at our discretion and are dependent on staff availability.
Develop Studies
Numerous MAP-friendly organizations are willing to provide a variety of services to researchers, including collaboration on study development and even support for acquiring funding. These direct partnerships may help you bypass some of the constraints caused by pervasive societal stigma and widespread misinformation surrounding these topics.
B4U-ACT
Must be centered on MAP wellbeingNonprofit focused on the relationships between MAPs and professional allies
Services offered
Recruiting MAP survey respondents
Developing relevant research questions
Refining surveys and interview protocols
Sensitivity training for MAP issues
Requirements
Before partnering with B4U-ACT, you must agree to follow their Research Ethos
Applying
If you are interested in partnering with B4U-ACT, you can learn more here.
To apply, email science@b4uact.org and provide the following information:
Documentation of goals
Bibliography
Plans for dissemination/use of results
Prostasia Foundation
Must have child protection applicationsSex-positive child protection group with an evidence-based approach
Services offered
Expanding the reach of existing research
Facilitating trust with MAP stakeholders
Support in acquiring partial funding
Applying
If you are interested in partnering with Prostasia, you can learn more and apply here.
Involving MAPs in the research process can lead to more effective studies
Get Respondents
There are several organizations dedicated to supporting minor-attracted people that use their platform to increase the reach of surveys seeking MAP respondents. Several are listed below, along with instructions on how to submit your study and information on what needs to be included. Be aware that submissions may be subject to a review.
MAP Support Club
Anti-contact onlySupport group with 300+ members
To inquire, email info@mapsupport.club. Emails should contain the following:
Name of the institution and involved faculty
Instructions for participants
Methods of ensuring anonymity
Deadline for responses
Evidence of ethics committee approval
Virtuous Pedophiles
Anti-contact onlySupport group with 7000+ members
To avoid "low response rates because of too many requests", Virtuous Pedophiles only allows certain categories of researchers to post research participation opportunities on their platform. You can learn more here.
To inquire, email virped@pm.me and cc your academic supervisor. Emails should include an introductory paragraph containing the following:
Name of the institution and involved faculty
Instructions for participants
Methods of ensuring anonymity
Deadline for responses
Evidence of ethics committee approval
Open MAP Community
Support group with 100+ members
To inquire, email map.community@protonmail.ch. Emails may include the following:
Institutional affiliation (if applicable)
Focus of the study
Instructions for participants
Methods of ensuring anonymity
Mastodon
Decentralized social media platform
Due to its decentralized nature, Mastodon is popular among members of stigmatized groups. There are several MAP-centered servers with open registration, including nnia.space. Posts on either one are visible to members of both, however, users are more likely to see posts on their own server.
Some considerations:
As with other social media, people will only see your post in their feed if they follow you or if someone they follow shares it.
Mastodon posts are visible to the public by default, so bad actors may try to manipulate the results of controversial surveys.
Most MAPs avoid clicking untrusted links, so prove your credentials and provide secure access methods (Tor, VPN, etc.).
Looking for a group of minor-attracted people that's not covered by the options above? We can help you find them! Reach out using the contact information on our About page.
You can find additional recruiting opportunities on our Support Groups page.
Stay Updated
Research on minor-attracted people is a rapidly-evolving field, and it can be difficult to keep up with all the latest advances. There are a variety of resources and programs designed to help you and your colleagues stay up-to-date so you can ensure your own work accounts for new findings. These are the ones that we believe will be most beneficial.
B4QR summarizes and critiques the latest research on MAPs and minor attractions. The reviews are written by a group of academics and minor-attracted people.
B4U-ACT's email group is the foundation of a network of experts who study MAPs. They share updates on the latest research and provide networking opportunities.
Protect Yourself
Unfortunately, due to the stigma surrounding minor attractions, researchers who openly support MAPs or advocate for them to have access to improved support are at risk of experiencing targeted harassment. This can take a variety of forms, but at worst, it can lead to private info being exposed and friends, family members, and careers being impacted.
The Prostasia Foundation maintains a guide to help individuals in the field of child protection minimize the risk of online harassment and respond effectively when it occurs. They also provide tips on ensuring your personal information remains private.