Introduction: Previous research has shown rather high prevalence rates of BDSM-related activities in the Belgian population. Nevertheless, BDSM is still being stigmatized and pathologized. Yet very few studies have focused on these phenomena among BDSM practitioners and in the general population. The current two-part study investigated a) stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about BDSM in the general population, and b) self-reported stigma in members of the BDSM community. Methods and results: In study 1, a crosssectional survey questionnaire, containing the Big Five Inventory and a self-developed stigma-questionnaire, was completed by 300 members of the general population lacking any interest in BDSM (135 males, 158 women, 4 gender fluid, 3 genderless). Three dimensions of stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about BDSM were identified, being prejudices, discrimination and incomprehension. About 86% maintained stigmatizing beliefs about these sexual interests and practices. Higher age, higher levels of conscientiousness, and lower levels of openness and agreeableness were found to be predictors for stigmatization. Study 2 involved 256 BDSM practitioners (110 males, 135 women, 7 gender fluid, 2 genderless) who completed a questionnaire with items concerning experienced stigmatization or discrimination because of their BDSM interests. About 28% reported not feeling comfortable to share their interests with the outside-world. Conclusion: These results suggest that people who do not conform to the current social standards of our society may not be explicitly excluded, but often seem to remain the subject of stigmatization and discrimination. Proper education about the concept of BDSM could be a first step in stigma-reduction.
Background BDSM is an acronym describing bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism. Afflicting or receiving pain is usually an important part of the BDSM interaction. Aim This research will focus on better understanding the aspect of pain within a BDSM interaction. Methods Submissive and dominant counterparts of 35 couples were recruited to participate in a BDSM interaction, of which 34 dominants and 33 submissives were included in the analyses. A non-BDSM interested control group (n = 27) was included to control for social interaction, of which 24 were included in the analyses. Outcomes This research investigates the differences in (i) baseline pain thresholds, (ii) the impact of a BDSM interaction on those thresholds, and (iii) threshold moderating factors like pain cognition between submissive and dominant BDSM participants and control individuals. RESULTS BDSM practitioners have a higher pain threshold overall and a BSDM interaction will result in a temporary elevation of pain thresholds for submissives. Additionally, pain thresholds in dominants will be dependent upon their fear of pain and tendency to catastrophize pain and submissives will experience less fear of pain than the control group. Clinical Implications By further enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms behind a BDSM interaction in this way, we aspire to relieve the stigma these practitioners still endure. Strengths & Limitations This is one of the first studies of its kind with a large sample size compared to similar research, which makes it a significant contribution to the field. It must be mentioned that there is a possible selection bias because recruitment was only done through the Flemish BDSM community and specifically those who visit clubs. Additionally, pain threshold remains a subjective measurement, which must be taken into account. CONCLUSION This study helps shed further light on the biological processes behind a BDSM interaction through pain threshold measurements.
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