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Current biopsychosocial science on understanding kink.
D J Williams1, Richard A Sprott2
1Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA; Center for Positive Sexuality, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|October 24, 2022
Summary
Kink (or BDSM) research reveals diverse populations and psychological states, moving beyond pathology. Studies highlight sensation-seeking, flow states, and minority stress contributing to suicidality in these communities.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sexuality Studies
Background:
- Kink (or BDSM) studies have expanded significantly.
- Research is consolidating knowledge on prevalence, stigma, and psychological factors.
- Existing research often framed within psychopathology, necessitating alternative theoretical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current landscape of kink research.
- To review prevalence, marginalization, and key research findings.
- To propose future research directions and theoretical frameworks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing kink studies.
- Analysis of theoretical frameworks applied to kink research.
- Identification of common findings across diverse research areas.
Main Results:
- Kink communities exhibit significant diversity in gender, sexual orientation, and relationship styles.
- Higher sensation-seeking tendencies are observed in kink practitioners.
- Kink activities can induce flow states and transient hypofrontality.
- Minority stress is linked to increased suicidality within kink populations.
Conclusions:
- Theoretical frameworks like minority stress and serious leisure are valuable for understanding kink outside of psychopathology.
- Further research should explore biological, psychological, and social factors.
- Addressing minority stress is crucial for clinical implications and reducing suicidality.
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