BDSM Correlated With Better Mental Health, Says Study

[bdjackass318]

And to all those people that Think BDSM is sick and twisted , well maybe not so much. It seems to be maybe these people might be a little more saner than the ones who don't practice BDSM. Story bitches.



People who are into kinky sex may be psychologically healthier than those who are not, says a new study. Researchers found that people who were involved in BDSM -- bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism -- scored better on certain indicators of mental health than those who did not bring kink into the bedroom, reported LiveScience.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in May, surveyed 902 people who practice BDSM and 434 people who prefer so-called "vanilla" (non-kinky) sex. Each person filled out questionnaires regarding their personalities, general well-being, sensitivity to rejection and style of attachment in relationships. The participants were not aware of the purpose of the study.

Despite past assumptions that BDSM proclivities might be correlated with previous abuse, rape or mental disorders (research has shown that they're not), this survey found that kinky people actually scored better on many indicators of mental health than those who didn't practice BDSM, reported LiveScience. According to Reuters, BDSM-friendly participants were found to be less neurotic, more open, more aware of and sensitive to rejection, more secure in their relationships and have better overall well-being.

Andreas Wismeijer, a psychologist at Nyenrode Business University in the Netherlands and the lead author on the study, told LiveScience that people involved in the BDSM community may have scored better on these surveys because they tend to be more aware of and communicative about their sexual desires, or because they have done some "hard psychological work" to accept and live with sexual needs that are beyond the scope of what is often considered socially acceptable to discuss in the mainstream.

This research isn't necessarily representative of the general population since participants were selected on a volunteer basis, but it does support the argument for removing BDSM from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In the current DSM, BDSM fetishes are listed as "paraphilia," which essentially encompasses any "unusual" sexual preferences.

Fetish communities have argued for years that harmless sexual tastes should not be listed next to mental disorders. Perhaps this research will help bolster their case

[kellyhound]

Originally Posted by bdjackass318

In the current DSM, BDSM fetishes are listed as "paraphilia," which essentially encompasses any "unusual" sexual preferences.

the whole list https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_paraphilias

[Sharon]

Interesting

[ices]

This is as obvious as stating ice melts in warm temperature.

sensitivity to rejection and style of attachment in relationships.

This line here tells me they were questioning swingers for the most part. Swingers usually have ego's bigger than the normal person.

[Ozzman]

I question these findings...I'm afraid of some of the people I hang out with who are into it.

[daughterofthenight]

Please remember that there is a difference between those who are swingers and those who are polyamorous. Not to say that the polyamorous won't play with BDSM mind you.

[ices]

Originally Posted by adhOLapbNwaST!

Please remember that there is a difference between those who are swingers and those who are polyamorous. Not to say that the polyamorous won't play with BDSM mind you.

They're one and the same. Swingers is just a modern term created by them.

[daughterofthenight]

Originally Posted by ices

They're one and the same. Swingers is just a modern term created by them.

If you do not understand that they are different, it is likely because you have never participated in both. There is nothing I can say to you then. Ta.

[rosiereal]

Must be why I'm such a happy, well rounded broad. Say otherwise and you get the paddle

[DIfferent_Trains]