Is sexual masochism a disorder? I read an article that said it was, and I don't think I agree. As someone who is a masochist I found the article rather offense. Also: what do you think causes it? Is there a correlation between masochism and being submissive? Is it common, or does porn just make us think it is?
Sexual masochism disorder is a classified disorder under the DSM-V. However, it order for it to be diagnosed as a disorder, it has to be accompanied by negative feelings, such as shame or guilt, that impact the person's quality of life. If that isn't met, then it's not diagnosable as a disorder, it's a sexual preference. Therefore, healthy and consenting BDSM relationships are not considered characteristic of a disorder.
Thank you for the clarification. Fortunately, it doesn't cause me any negative feelings or impacts the quality of my life!
Porn tends to exaggerate many aspects of human sexuality and should never be regarded as representative or influential. Having said that, BDSM is more common than we may imagine. On the whole, I'd say it's a healthy expression of sexuality between consenting adults.
I agree with Patrick and I think healthy masochism is very common, especially when it comes to more minor instances that aren't associated with BDSM relationships. Biting, for instance, can be painful but it's also quite popular.
I've noticed that my masochism doesn't only pertain to sexual activity. However, it does turn me on sexually in either case. For example, if I got in a fight with my girlfriend and she slapped me. I like it and it turns me on sexually. Although, as I have previously stated, my masochism doesn't cause me any negative feelings or impacts the quality of my life!
FYI: I don't like causing pain to myself (I'm not emo lol). I only enjoy it when someone I'm attracted to causes me (gentle) pain.
I totally agree with @PatrickUK on this one. Because a lot of people are influenced to a degree by porn. They hold it as the standard or holy grail to sexual experiences. Sometimes they measure every sexual activity by it. This leads to some people being disappointed and feeling inadequate in real life in regards to their sexual experiences in their own lives not measuring up to porn. Which is closer to entertainment and the realm of fantasy and not really the real thing, In my opinion. Yes I used to watch a lot of it when I was younger. But now I don’t feel the same way about it. Having said that, A preference is still a preference. I don’t think it’s anything to be particularly ashamed of. But if someone feels bad about it and it kinda becomes a certain kind of addiction that you can’t control and it affects you negatively. Then I think it can become a concern.
