Practice of consensual BDSM and relationship satisfaction

ABSTRACT

Sexual behaviors and styles that differ from that of the majority culture have been pathologized throughout history. One such category of sexual variation is BDSM (bondage-discipline/dominance-submission/sadism–masochism). Research onpsychotherapists suggests beliefs that BDSM practitioners cannot sustain healthy relationships. A growing body of literature, however, describes those who engage in BDSM activities as socially well-adjusted individuals who are no more likely to have psychological distress than the general population. This study used an online survey distributed via BDSM community websites and word-of-mouth to measure relationship satisfaction among BDSM practitioners who were in committed relationships. The Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) was administered, as well as a number of demographic and BDSM participation questions about both the participants and their partners. Findings indicated participants did not score above the clinically distressed criterion cut-off on the RDAS. Additionally, data analysis compared gender and BDSM roles on RDAS scores. This yielded no statistically significant results. These results were considered in the context of the feminist critique of BDSM and family systems theory. The current study adds to previous research by examining relationship satisfaction, providing more evidence that those practicing BDSM are not significantly more pathological than the population in general.

KEYWORDS:

• BDSM
• kink
• relationship satisfaction
• couple satisfaction

Acknowledgements

The authors would like first and foremost to thank the participants of the current study, as the authors recognize it is a sensitive and complex topic for many. We would also like to thank Fetlife.com and EroticAwakenings.com for assisting in the recruitment of participants. Lastly we would like to thank St Cloud State University's Marriage and Family Therapy program for supporting the execution of the current study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hannah M.E. Rogak

Hannah Rogakme is a licensed marriage and family therapist whose clinical interests include sexuality and gender issues, especially those of sexual minority populations.

Jennifer Jo Connor

Jennifer Jo Connor is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an associate professor in the Program of Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Her research interests include women's sexual and reproductive health, such as vulvodynia and infertility.