Retrospective Perceptions of Family Interaction in Childhood as Correlates of Current Sexual Adaptation Among Sadomasochistic Males

Abstract

A total of 164 self-identified sadomasochistic men who were members of two sadomasochistically oriented clubs participated in the study. The relationships between retrospective perceptions of attachment and other indicators of the quality of interaction in their family of origin on one hand, and their sexual adaptation on the other hand were explored. There was a roughly equal number of self-identified heterosexual and gay male participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in the study. Participants' recollections of physical punishment and alcohol consumption by parents, as well as emotional closeness to them were related to the participants' perception of their attachment style (secure, avoidant, or ambivalent). The attachment style was again related to the participants' current sexual satisfaction and sexual neuroticism. There was some indication in the study that perception of attachment to the mother was related to the participants' current choice of sadomasochistic position.

Key Words:

• Attachment
• sadomasochism
• family interaction
• childhood
• sexual adaptation