Psychological characteristics of BDSM practitioners
In plain language, the main point is this: the practitioner sample reported several comparatively favorable psychological characteristics, including higher subjective wellbeing and lower rejection sensitivity.
Orgasmaphoria editorial perspective
About this source
Useful against pathologizing generalizations, while clearly noting the self-selected sample and absence of causal evidence.
Why it matters: This source demonstrates that kink is shaped by learnable community practices, negotiation, and wide variation. That helps readers separate consensual BDSM from abuse and replace stereotypes with better questions.
Purpose and scope
Compares personality, attachment, rejection sensitivity, and subjective wellbeing in BDSM practitioners and controls.
902 BDSM practitioners and 434 controls completing online questionnaires.
Findings or central themes
The practitioner sample reported several comparatively favorable psychological characteristics, including higher subjective wellbeing and lower rejection sensitivity.
Strengths
Uses established measures and a comparison group.
Limitations
Self-selected online sample and cross-sectional design; differences cannot establish causation or represent all practitioners.
Do not use this source to claim: Do not use this source for diagnosis, individual prediction, universal claims, or advice beyond its stated scope.
Citation and access
Andreas A. J. Wismeijer, Marcel A. L. M. van Assen (2013). Psychological characteristics of BDSM practitioners. The Journal of Sexual Medicine DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12192
Public abstract
External sources may change, move, require payment, or have different privacy practices. This library record is educational context, not medical, legal, or emergency advice.
