Exploring the prevalence and characteristics of self-labelled identity, coping, and mental health among BDSM-practicing adults in the United States

Bibliographic Data

ID12978299
AuthorsAlicia Anne Dahl (0000-0002-6229-0926, University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Robert J Cramer (0000-0001-9105-5565, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, corresponding author), Tess M Gemberling (0000-0002-6157-883X, Lander University), Tess Gemberling, Susan Wright (0000-0002-9290-6242), Corrine N Wilsey (0000-0002-1648-0729, Old Dominion University), Jessamyn Bowling (0000-0001-7410-4433, University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Frank D Golom (0000-0002-4771-927X, Loyola University Maryland)
Year2023
Volume15
Issue1
Pages54-72
Publication date2023-04-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychology and Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1941-9902 • E-ISSN: 1941-9899
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19419899.2023.2203134
OpenAlexW4366275755
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited54

This paper aimed to explore BDSM involvement and its effects on mental health. The study had four objectives: (1) quantify frequencies of BDSM self-labels, (2) describe patterns of BDSM involvement subtypes (i.e. fantasy, behaviour, and identity), (3) compare BDSM-related involvement among two samples: members of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) and a non-NCSF sample of adults interested in or practicing BDSM, and (4) understand whether BDSM identity specialty interest group membership is associated with enhanced health (i.e. coping). Data were drawn from archival survey data on sexuality and health. Participants (N = 1036) completed BDSM identity and behaviour measures. The most common BDSM identities were 'dominant' and 'submissive'. NCSF members adopted BDSM identity labels more frequently compared to general adult BDSM practitioners. Dominant and submissive fantasy and behaviour varied by gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status. For example, cisgender men reported elevated patterns of dominant and lowered submissive BDSM involvement. Compared to non-NCSF members, NCSF members reported higher dominant and submissive fantasies and behaviours, and better mental health and emotion regulation. Finally, submissive fantasy involvement displayed statistically significant, but weak, positive associations with psychological health. Potential implications for public health practice, theory development, and future research are discussed

Coping (psychology · Developmental psychology · Fantasy · Gender identity · Human sexuality · Identity (music · Mental health · Psychiatry · Sexual orientation · Sociology · Clinical Psychology · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

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