In many occasions, interest in BDSM sexual expression is considered taboo. Promotion of BDSM sexual expression does not really play a big role in mainstream media. In general, the only types of sexual acts in the media that mention any kind of pain refer to violence or assaults upon a victim. BDSM can be thought of as violent, painful, unusual, and for many, maybe even shameful. One can imagine that BDSM can be very looked down upon within conservative cultures or families. Although the BDSM community has been around for a long time, there are lots of negative views towards it and some consider BDSM a psychological problem while others call it a lifestyle.

One of the reasons why some believe that the practice of BDSM us unhealthy, is the physical risking that some of the practitioners face (Lindemann, 2013). Sadism and masochism can possibly lead to death in some extreme cases. Though the deaths are accidental, it may be the cause of greater criticism from the public. Many people make the assumption that people who participate in BDSM activities were abused either physically or psychologically in earlier years. There is social stigma against this type of sexual expression because it is widely misunderstood and considered a deviant behavior. However, BDSM relationships can in fact be turned into sexually violent or abusive ones (Jozifkova, 2013). When a person’s partner starts disrespecting the other’s safe word or not stop his/her actions at the request of their partner, the relationship may continue, but as a violent one. At times, the dominant refuses to wear protection, which may also be a sign of abuse in an unhealthy BDSM relationship (Jozifkova, 2013). Also, if people participate in BDSM activities simply because they are angry at the opposite sex or are motivated by aggression in any way, then their relationships become unsafe because there is more of a risk for serious intentional injury (Lindemann, 2013).

In contrast, some pro-dommes, or female dominatrix, express their belief in the importance of safety in a BDSM context. In one of Lindemann’s study, a couple of her informants or dommes explained the importance of consensual activities when participating in BDSM. Whether if a person participates in this type of sexual activity as a part of work or with a partner, the most important part of the relationship is mutual consent (Lindemann, 2013). It has also been shown that BDSM can be in fact a form of therapy. Within BDSM communities/relationships, persons with sadomasochistic tendencies can freely express themselves sexually without so much judgment and with a consenting partner (Lindemann, 2011). They are able to act on their compulsions or fantasies in a non-criminal way therefore channeling their energy in a healthier, non-destructive way. In addition, a study on 32 self-identified BDSM practitioners showed no significant signs of psychopathology according to psychometric tests of anxiety, depression, psychological sadism or masochism, PTSD, etc (Connolly, 2006). It was predicted that high levels of clinical psychopathology and personality pathology were common among practitioners of BDSM but this study showed otherwise (Connolly, 2006).

I think that BDSM is a healthy form of sexual expression as long as precautions are taken and there is mutual consent. Connolly’s research showing that a number of BDSM practitioners do not suffer from any psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, etc, is a pretty convincing finding. Also, it is very hard to find evidence finding BDSM as an unhealthy form of sexual expression as long as nobody is being hurt unwillingly.

Connolly, P. H. (2006). Psychological Functioning of Bondage/Domination/Sado-Masochisrn (BDSM) Practitioners. Journal Of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 18(1), 79-120.

Jozifkova, E. (2013). Consensual sadomasochistic sex (BDSM): the roots, the risks, and the distinctions between BDSM and violence. Current Psychiatry Reports, 15(9), 392.

Lindemann, D. (2011). BDSM as therapy?. Sexualities, 14(2), 151-172.

Lindemann, D. J. (2013). Health discourse and within-group stigma in professional BDSM. Social Science & Medicine, 99169-175.