What is BDSM
The abbreviation BDSM is decoded as follows:
- BD — bondage and discipline;
- DS — dominator and submissive (dominance and submission);
- SM — sadomasochism.
Thus, in general terms, BDSM encompasses sexual practices based on power exchange and associated with restraint, infliction of pain, and humiliation. Not everything at once is necessary, but one condition is always met: the mentioned actions are voluntary.
Hence arises the intriguing question for many: who in their right mind would agree to humiliation and torture?
Deviation or not?
According to the currently active International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), sadomasochism is considered a sexual preference disorder (it is included in the list of mental disorders and behavior disorders). However, modern research increasingly indicates that people who practice BDSM do not have particular mental health issues.
In particular, a study Psychological Functioning of Bondage/Domination/Sado-Masochism (BDSM) Practitioners in 2006 showed that BDSM practitioners suffered from depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic disorders, as well as from psychological sadism and masochism no more than others. However, narcissism and dissociative disorder symptoms were higher than average in this group.
Nevertheless, psychologist Pamela Connolly, who conducted the research, concluded: the opinion that BDSM practices are based on psychopathology is controversial.
A large-scale study Demographic and psychosocial features of participants in bondage and discipline, "sadomasochism" or dominance and submission (BDSM): data from a national survey in 2008, conducted in Australia, aimed to determine whether an inclination towards BDSM is related to past sexual coercion as well as to other sexual or psychological issues. But again, no connection was established.
Researchers concluded that BDSM is simply a sexual interest or subculture, the majority of whose adherents were not victims of violence and did not experience problems in "normal" sex.
A more recent study Psychological characteristics of BDSM practitioners , published in 2013, aimed to determine what main psychological characteristics BDSM practitioners possess. It turned out that compared to others, they actually had even more favorable indicators.
For example, these people proved to be less neurotic, more open to new experiences and prone to extroversion, and also felt better than members of the control group. One drawback was discovered, however: they were less yielding. It should be noted that the indicators of dominants were generally better than those of submissives. Yet researchers concluded that BDSM practices should not be viewed as a manifestation of psychopathology.
From all the above, it certainly does not follow that BDSM is what makes people happy or open. What effect the practices have was shown in the following study.
What are the benefits of BDSM
American researchers found Consensual BDSM Facilitates Role-Specific Altered States of Consciousness: A Preliminary Study that individuals engaged in BDSM experience reduced levels of psychological stress, improved mood, and increased sexual arousal.
But perhaps their most interesting finding is that practitioners enter a state of altered consciousness.
However, the sensations for dominants and submissives turn out to be different. The former enter a pleasant state of complete concentration on the process and loss of self-awareness (due to merging with the activity). This can be compared to the flow state described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The latter, on the contrary, feel complete relaxation, peacefulness, and a sense of living in the present moment.
In his article for The Guardian, study author Brad Sagarin noted Never tried BDSM? Go on, it’s good for you : these states are similar to what is called topspace and subspace in BDSM.
Should you try BDSM
The described effects are hard to deny in attractiveness. Does this mean that you should immediately take up the whip?
Of course, not. It must be understood that the studies involved people who are already practicing BDSM. Therefore, it is more likely that the positive effect arises in those who are initially interested in such a form of sexual interaction. On the other hand, if you have relevant desires or fantasies, then there is reason to consider their realization.
At the same time, it is important to remember a crucial condition: the consent of the partner. Many practitioners note that BDSM enhances intimacy and trust in a couple. However, this is possible only if people discuss the limits of what is allowed in advance and do not violate them.
And one last significant point. If you are just planning to dive into a world of new pleasures, start with something simple and relatively safe: light spanking or simple tying. This way you will have the opportunity to understand how interesting all this is to you and whether you need to move further. And at the same time avoid unnecessary physical and emotional trauma.
