Pain for pain
The benefits and challenges of BDSM participation for people with chronic pain – An exploratory study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12978288 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Reni Forer (0000-0001-6126-8834, University of Michigan, corresponding author), Bryce Westlake (0000-0002-1506-028X, San Jose State University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 1210-1226 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-21 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychology and Sexuality (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1941-9902 • E-ISSN: 1941-9899 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/19419899.2025.2507699 |
| PMID | 40959519 |
| OpenAlex | W4410550787 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 42 |
Research is beginning to find that many BDSM (bondage/discipline, domination/submission, sadism/masochism) practitioners experience benefits beyond sexual pleasure. Additionally, given the relationship between pain and pleasure common in BDSM, there may be certain unanticipated benefits for practitioners reporting chronic pain (PRCP). We conducted an online survey of an international convenience sample of BDSM practitioners (N = 525). Participants were asked about self-perceived benefits and challenges related to participating in BDSM with CP. Using chi-square, independent sample t-test, logistic regression, and linear-by-linear association, responses were combined with demographics, participation timelines, co-participants, motivations, and frequency of activities to identify differences between PRCP and not reporting CP. PRCP do not appear to initially seek out BDSM for pain management but report both physical and mental benefits and identify mental health as a motivation for continued participation. Many PRCP also report at least some short-term pain relief resulting from BDSM participation. Importantly, they are more likely to engage in higher intense sensation activities (e.g. edge-play) more frequently. This study provides a foundation for further investigation into the nuanced relationship between CP and BDSM participation, especially in relation to the intensity and type of activities engaged in
Chronic pain · Exploratory research · Pain catastrophizing · Psychiatry · Sociology · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Psychology · Sexual function and dysfunction studies · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
Psychological Characteristics of BDSM Practitioners
The epidemiology of chronic pain in children and adolescents revisited
Common Chronic Pain Conditions in Developed and Developing Countries
Pain Mechanisms: A New Theory
Chronic pain
Prevalence of Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2016
BDSM as trauma play
Overwhelming whiteness of BDSM
‘I feel so much better in myself’
A Systematic Scoping Review of the Prevalence, Etiological, Psychological, and Interpersonal Factors Associated with BDSM
BDSM
The Prevalence of Paraphilic Interests and Behaviors in the General Population
Physical Pain as Pleasure
Member Perspectives on the Role of BDSM Communities
An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior
An International Survey of BDSM Practitioner Demographics
Using Pain, Living with Pain
| Highly cited | No |
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