6. Social misfits
    
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Myth 6: Pedophiles and ephebophiles are socially inadequate or unassertive, or have low intelligence.
Facts:
- All studies supporting this belief are based on offenders against minors rather than on pedophiles or ephebophiles.
- Only one study examined the personalities of pedophiles rather than offenders using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). It found no significant results. Eight of 10 studies of offenders found no significant profile.18
- Only three studies of pedophiles (rather than offenders) relevant to assessing the intelligence of pedophiles have been conducted. They found no significant difference in intelligence from the general population.19
- Studies have found some offenders against children tend toward shyness, loneliness, low self-esteem, and isolation, but not in a significant way when compared with other types of offenders. In addition, such feelings may be the result of society’s reaction to them, rather than causes or characteristics of pedophilia.20
• For more information, see the section on this site about characteristics of minor-attracted men.