Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Assessing Dominant-Submissive Behavior in Adult Rats Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: December 16, 2022
A Preliminary Investigation into Intersections of Sexual Communication in Bondage, Domination, Sadomasochism and
Jacqueline N Gunning1, Valerie Rubinsky2, Ashley Aragón3
1Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, 337 Mansfield Road, Unit 1259, 06269 Storrs, Connecticut, USA.
Abstract:
Extending prior research on the communicative intersections of bondage, domination, and sadomasochism (BDSM) and disability communities, the present article presents preliminary findings on sexual and boundary-setting communication overlaps in relational minority groups and partnerships with disabilities. Both disability and BDSM communities engage in preparatory, open, and boundary-setting sexual communication that prioritizes shifting physical, emotional, and relational needs. Highlighting reflections from partnerships navigating chronic illness, pain, and neurodivergence, our findings extend previous recommendations for boundary-setting to focus on relationships with disability, identifying intersections as including (1) reflecting upon needs and boundaries amidst shifting symptomatology, (2) (re)write sexual and intimate scripts to prioritize (dis)ability, (3) (re)negotiate relational needs and set expectations, and (4) bring awareness to the role of mental health and medication. Findings focus on implications for disability and sexual communication, the disruption of traditional sexual scripts, and therapeutic and clinical application. Limitations and future research are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Sex-linked Disorders
Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital
Psychosexual Theory of Development
The Five Stages of Psychosexual Development
Freud's psychosexual...

