Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
03:56
Assessing Dominant-Submissive Behavior in Adult Rats Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: December 16, 2022
1.6K
Pathways and Patterns of Entrance into BDSM
Alicia M Walker1, Arielle Kuperberg2
1Department of Sociology, Missouri State University, 901 S National Ave., Strong 466, Springfield, MO, 65897, USA. aliciawalker@missouristate.edu.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|January 14, 2022
Summary
Entry into BDSM involves diverse pathways, influenced by media, partners, and inherent interests. Age at fantasy and behavior onset varies with social factors and demographics, offering nuanced insights into BDSM exploration.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sexuality Studies
Background:
- Limited research exists on pathways into BDSM and age of entry.
- Prior studies have not examined age at entry by BDSM role identity, gender, sexual orientation, or other demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore distinct pathways into BDSM using a mixed-methods approach.
- To analyze age at entry into BDSM practices and fantasies, considering demographic variations.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with 96 BDSM practitioners.
- Quantitative surveys with 2,017 BDSM practitioners.
- Analysis of "constructionist" and "essentialist" narratives of BDSM entry.
Main Results:
- Pathways into BDSM include popular culture, internet, partners, and self-discovery.
- Age at fantasy and behavior onset varies significantly by social-environmental factors.
- Demographic characteristics influence age of entry and role identity within BDSM.
Conclusions:
- BDSM entry is a complex interplay of personal interests, social influences, and environmental factors.
- Understanding diverse pathways and demographic variations is crucial for BDSM research.
- Social norms and opportunities shape engagement with BDSM behaviors and fantasies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital
1.2K
The genital stage is the final phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, beginning at puberty, around age 12. During this stage, sexual energy shifts from self-focused interests to external individuals, marking the development of mature adult sexuality. Freud saw this phase as a time of sexual reawakening, with desires directed toward others outside the family. A healthy transition into this stage, according to Freud, signifies the emergence of two key aspects of adult...
1.2K
01:14Psychosexual Theory of Development
888
Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory of development suggests that early childhood experiences significantly shape personality and behavior. Freud proposed that development is discontinuous, occurring in five distinct stages, each defined by a focus on different erogenous zones. He believed that failure to resolve the conflicts specific to each stage successfully could result in fixation, potentially influencing behavior as adults.
The Five Stages of Psychosexual Development
Freud's psychosexual...
The Five Stages of Psychosexual Development
Freud's psychosexual...
888
01:26Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal
2.1K
Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development describes the anal stage as occurring between 18 months and three years of age. During this period, children derive pleasure from controlling and releasing their bowel movements. However, they quickly learn that societal expectations impose restrictions on when and where this can happen. This stage marks a critical point where children begin to develop a sense of control and mastery over their bodily functions, as well as their broader...
2.1K
01:12Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Phallic
1.1K
The third stage of psychosexual development proposed by Freud is the phallic stage, occurring between the ages of 3 and 6. During this period, children become aware of their bodies and the differences between males and females. The erogenous zone in this stage is the genitals, and conflicts arise as children develop desires toward the opposite-sex parent. Boys experience the Oedipus complex, where they desire their mother and view their father as a rival. This leads to castration anxiety, the...
1.1K
01:16Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Latency
753
Following the phallic stage in Freud's theory of psychosexual development, children enter a phase called the latency period, which lasts from approximately six to twelve years of age. Unlike earlier stages, where sexual impulses played a central role, Freud believed these impulses are repressed during the latency period, becoming part of the unconscious. This stage is often described as a time of psychological calm after the turbulence of the phallic stage.
The latency period is not...
The latency period is not...
753
02:12Relationship Formation
41.7K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
41.7K