Between a role and identification. Understanding BDSM practices from practitioners' perspective

The aim of the research was to study the narrative of BDSM practitioners (sadism and masochism - S/M, bondage and discipline - B&D) and to attempt to describe how they interpret and define their practices and what significance they have in their life.

Qualitative methodology - grounded theory - has been used in the study. The sample consisted of 12 individuals aged 20-49 who identified with BDSM practices. The data have been collected through intensive interviews with participants.

Based on the language analysis of the interviews, researchers established categories related to identity and the definition of BDSM. Subsequently, the initial model of the process of defining one's own sexuality in BDSM practicing individuals was proposed.

The research showed stages of the process of defining and accepting their sexuality in BDSM practicing individuals and multifaceted identification with their BDSM roles. The initial stage of the development of identification with BDSM was gender identity and sexual orientation. The participants defined their sexuality by either the identification with their roles in BDSM practices (not only as a form of sexual activity, but also in every-day life) or assuming such roles temporarily. It seems that defining their identity by the persons practicing BDSM is not an either-or between "identity" or a "role", but can be seen as continuum.