What is BDSM?
Broadly, BDSM involves various expressions of power, control, and sensations which some may refer to as ‘kink’. These dynamics may or may not involve sexual acts, but always include consent. Some people may have fantasies about the use of restraints or force yet have no interest in acting these out in real life. Others may prefer for every sexual encounter to be kinky.
People who participate in BDSM do so intentionally and with others who are engaging consensually. This is what distinguishes BDSM from assault or sexual sadism disorder – consent. It’s estimated that about 20% of people have engaged in some form of BDSM in their lifetime.Additionally, about 50% of men and women have fantasized about BDSM practices.
BDSM includes the following:
(BD) – Bondage and Discipline: typically involves the use of restraints, sensation play (such as pain or other intense stimulation), and punishment.(D/s) – Dominance and Submission: dynamics involve psychological control, including giving and complying with orders or demands.(SM) – Sadism and Masochism: (sometimes called sadomasochism) usually pertain to infliction or receipt of intense sensations. While some may describe this as ‘pain’, the community recognizes pain is relative.(M/s) – Master (Mistress) and Slave: is a more extreme iteration of control in which one person fully yields control of one or more areas of life to a Master
The Psychology of BDSM
People are drawn to BDSM for various reasons, but research has yet to find any link with mental illness, including paraphilic desorders. One study found that 68% of people have had at least one BDSM related fantasy or behavior, with 22% reporting fantasy with no behaviors or actions. That’s a lot of people thinking about some kinky stuff!
Power is often an integral part of sexual dynamics. BDSM practices create an avenue to explore these in a safe and controlled manner. Research has shown that people who engage in BDSM have lower levels of benevolent sexism, rape myth acceptance, and victim blaming. There is also evidence of activation of both the pleasure and pain areas of the brain, as well as increases in arousal and decreases in stress.
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