Perceptions of and stigma toward BDSM practitioners

Is BDSM in the eye of the beholder? Variations in Conventional and non-Conventional Sexual Behaviors by Self-Identification vs. BDSM Practice Frequency in the General Population

“…Recruiting from the general population is likely to include self-identi ed BDSM individuals or members of its community (Holvoet et al, 2017), which may lead to an overestimation of the nCSB incidence in this group. Furthermore, self-identi cation, especially when a de nition is not given, is subjected to variations as to what each individual understands as a BDSM-related identity (Domingue, 2019) or nuances associated with a particular community (Faccio et al, 2020), as well as the stigma associated with the behaviors, identities, or the community overall (Bezreh et al, 2012; Graham et al, 2016;Hansen-Brown & Jefferson, 2023). Moreover, there is a growing body of research that explores BDSM and nCSB as situational, where meaning or identity is secondary, or perhaps not even a reason to engage in these behaviors, much like a leisure activity (Williams et al, 2016), or even a spiritual or therapeutic tool (Beckmann, 2009).…”

The correlation between sadomasochists' experience and their sadomasochistic behaviors and fantasies: A qualitative analysis of interviews

“…With the development of online psychological counseling, counselors and therapists are increasingly serving sadomasochists. Unfortunately, sadomasochists have long been discriminated against by the general public and professionals, and the treatment effect for them has been unsatisfactory (Hansen‐Brown & Jefferson, 2022 ; Kolmes et al, 2006 ; Lantto & Lundberg, 2021 ; Sprott et al, 2017 ). Kelsey et al ( 2013 ) found that about 25% to 30% of sadomasochists are not willing to disclose their sexual interests when seeking professional help because they worry about being resented by the therapists.…”