A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior
Authors: Larva Michelle A., Rantala Markus J.
Publisher: Springer
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Archives of Sexual Behavior
Journal name in source: Archives of sexual behavior
Journal acronym: Arch Sex Behav
Volume: 53
Issue: 6
First page : 2253
Last page: 2267
ISSN: 0004-0002
eISSN: 1573-2800
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02881-x
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02881-x
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/404727681
Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) have gained increased attention and discussion in recent years. This prevalence is accompanied by a shift in perceptions of BDSM, including the declassification of sadomasochism as a paraphilic disorder. Evolutionary psychology offers a unique perspective of why some individuals are interested in BDSM and why some prefer certain elements of BDSM over others (e.g., dominance versus submission). In this paper, we examine BDSM from an evolutionary standpoint, examining biopsychosocial factors that underlie the BDSM interests and practice. We articulate this perspective via an exploration of: proximate processes, such as the role of childhood experiences, sexual conditioning, and physiological factors; as well as ultimate explanations for power play and pain play dimensions of BDSM, highlighting the potential adaptive advantages of each. While BDSM may not be adaptive in itself, we examine the literature of sex differences in BDSM role preferences and argue that these preferences may stem from the extreme forms of behaviors which enhance reproductive success. In the realm of pain play, we explore the intersection of pain and pleasure from both physiological and psychological perspectives, highlighting the crucial role of psychological and play partner factors in modulating the experience of pain. Finally, we encourage future research in social sciences to utilize evolutionary frameworks to further explore the subject and help alleviate the mystification surrounding BDSM. This multifaceted exploration of BDSM provides valuable insights for clinicians, kink-identified individuals, and scholars seeking to understand the evolutionary perspectives of human sexual behavior and preferences.
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Funding information in the publication:
Open Access funding provided by University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital). This work was supported by funding from the INVEST Flagship Research Center (Psychology) at the University of Turku and a grant awarded by the TOP Säätiö to MAL. MJR had no funding for the preparation of this manuscript. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, preparation of, nor decision to publish this article.
