History and Psychology of BDSM: From Stigma to Understanding
Table of Contents
The Psychology Of BDSM
BDSM—bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadomasochism—is often misunderstood. For too long, Psychology of BDSM were seen as strange, taboo, or even signs of psychological dysfunction. Historically, BDSM was even listed as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). But things have shifted, and thankfully, we’ve made progress. Still, the stigma surrounding BDSM hasn’t completely disappeared, highlighting just how much more education and understanding are needed.
A Brief History of Misunderstanding
Psychology of BDSM became the target of early psychoanalytic theories that linked it to trauma and mental disorders. For decades, practices like sadism and masochism were considered pathologies in the DSM, the manual that guides psychiatric diagnoses. But research eventually told a different story. Studies showed that BDSM practitioners are no more likely to experience mental health issues than anyone else. In fact, some studies have found they tend to score higher in traits like openness to new experiences and lower in neuroticism. The shift continued with the DSM-5 in 2013, which finally drew a clear line between paraphilias (unusual sexual interests) and paraphilic disorders (those causing distress or harm). Consensual BDSM practices were no longer considered a disorder, but that didn’t fully erase the stigma.
The Stigma That Lingers
Even with BDSM removed from the DSM, cultural narratives still paint it as something dark or dangerous. A 2017 study from Belgium found that nearly half of participants had engaged in BDSM activities, and many of us fantasise about power exchange in some form. Despite this, many practitioners are hesitant to share their interests due to fear of judgment, discrimination, or even legal concerns. The stigma of the Psychology of BDSM doesn’t just pop up in casual conversations; it also creeps into professional spaces. Some therapists aren’t trained to distinguish between healthy BDSM and abuse, which can lead to dismissive or harmful attitudes. People are still labelled as "sick" or "damaged" simply because of their preferences.
Bridging the Gap with Education
Understanding BDSM means moving beyond outdated stereotypes. Research shows that BDSM isn’t always about pain or dysfunction—it’s about trust, connection, and exploring power dynamics in a consensual way. Many practitioners describe their desires as something that’s been with them for a long time, often forming in childhood or adolescence, similar to other sexual orientations. BDSM isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice. It’s as diverse as human sexuality itself, shaped by individual preferences, cultural contexts, and personal histories.
Why This Matters
The stigma surrounding BDSM isn’t just annoying—it has real consequences. Feeling judged, isolated, or misunderstood can lead to shame, anxiety, and even depression. The BDSM community deserves the same respect and understanding given to other sexual identities. The history of BDSM reminds us that societal views on sexuality are always evolving. While progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go. Education, empathy, and open dialogue are key to dismantling lingering stigmas and building a more inclusive future.
Join the Conversation
That’s why I started The Erotic Realm. Through this podcast, I aim to spark meaningful conversations about the Psychology of BDSM and eroticism. By addressing misconceptions and amplifying the voices of those who practice BDSM, I hope to contribute to a world where sexuality is recognised as a complex, diverse, and integral part of the human experience. I invite you to join me.
By M
Host of The Erotic Realm Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/54XUH8OZ5340DvTfT88Sd2
Or search “The Erotic Realm" wherever you listen to podcasts.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).Bezreh, B. J., Sandnabba, N. K., & Jonason, P. K. (2012). Understanding and accepting sadomasochistic fantasies and behaviors. Personality and Individual Differences, 52(8), 896-901.Connolly, D. R. (2008). BDSM and the DSM: A review of clinical and research findings. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 37(4), 636-665.De Neef, M., Laan, E., & Wismeijer, A. A. (2019). Mental health and well-being in BDSM practitioners: A systematic review. Journal of Sex Research, 56(1), 1-23.Dunkley, E., & Brotto, L. A. (2019). Stigma, shame, and sexual functioning: The impact of cultural attitudes toward BDSM practices. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(1), 131-140.Kelsey, J., Reissing, E. D., & Thorne, C. B. (2013). Health professionals’ responses to individuals’ BDSM practices: Fear of discrimination and desire for understanding. Psychology & Sexuality, 4(3), 257-271.Lehmiller, J. J. (2018). The psychology of human sexuality. Routledge.Lin, C. (2017). Toward an inclusive sexual and gender identity framework: Exploring the intersections of kink, BDSM, and mental health. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 14(4), 397-408.Richters, J., de Visser, R. O., & Rissel, C. E. (2008). DSM-IV disorders among people with paraphilic interests: Results from a representative Australian survey. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 5(1), 160-169.Wismeijer, A., & van Assen, M. A. (2013). BDSM: The psychophysiology of a sexual minority. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(4), 683-697.
FAQs
What is BDSM, and why has it been misunderstood historically?
BDSM stands for bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadomasochism. Historically, it was viewed as strange, taboo, or a sign of psychological dysfunction. Early psychoanalytic theories linked BDSM to trauma, and for decades, it was classified as a mental disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). However, research has since disproved these notions, showing that BDSM practitioners are not more prone to mental health issues than the general population
Is BDSM still considered a mental disorder?
No, BDSM is no longer classified as a mental disorder. The DSM-5 (2013) distinguished between paraphilias (unusual sexual interests) and paraphilic disorders (causing harm or distress). Consensual BDSM practices are no longer categorized as a disorder.
Why does the stigma surrounding BDSM persist?
Despite its removal from the DSM, cultural narratives often depict BDSM as dark or dangerous. Many people fear judgment, discrimination, or legal issues if they disclose their interests. Stigma is further exacerbated by untrained professionals who may conflate healthy BDSM practices with abuse.
What are some benefits of practicing BDSM?
Research suggests that BDSM practitioners often score higher in openness to new experiences and lower in neuroticism. BDSM is about trust, connection, and consensual exploration of power dynamics, which can be deeply fulfilling for those who practice it.
How can we combat the stigma surrounding BDSM?
Combatting stigma requires education, empathy, and open dialogue. Understanding that BDSM is a diverse, consensual, and trust-based practice can help dismantle outdated stereotypes and promote inclusivity. You could try attending one of our workshops or listen to the Erotic Realm Podcast!
