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An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior
Michelle A Larva1, Markus J Rantala2
1INVEST Research Flagship Centre (Psychology), University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, N20014, Turku, Finland. michelle.a.larva@utu.fi.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|May 20, 2024
Summary
Evolutionary psychology explains interest in Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM). Biopsychosocial factors and potential adaptive advantages of BDSM practices are explored.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) are increasingly discussed.
- Sadomasochism is no longer classified as a paraphilic disorder.
- Evolutionary psychology offers insights into BDSM interests and preferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine BDSM from an evolutionary perspective.
- Investigate biopsychosocial factors underlying BDSM interests and practices.
- Explore proximate and ultimate explanations for BDSM dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on BDSM.
- Analysis of biopsychosocial factors (childhood, conditioning, physiology).
- Examination of evolutionary explanations for power and pain play.
Main Results:
- Childhood experiences, sexual conditioning, and physiological factors influence BDSM interests.
- Potential adaptive advantages of BDSM power and pain play are discussed.
- Sex differences in BDSM role preferences may relate to behaviors enhancing reproductive success.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary frameworks can help understand BDSM.
- Psychological and partner factors modulate pain-pleasure experiences in BDSM.
- Further social science research using evolutionary perspectives is encouraged.
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