BDSM - American Board of Sexology

BDSM – What is it?

James Walker2024-01-29T18:11:46-05:00

BDSM is a variety of often erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other related interpersonal dynamics. Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves to be practicing BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture often is said to depend on self-identification and shared experience. [...]

BDSM Disclosure and Stigma Management

2024-01-29T18:11:46-05:00

The topic of disclosure of an interest in BDSM (an umbrella term for sexual interests including bondage, domination, submission/ sadism, and masochism) remains largely unaddressed in current resources. There is evidence that interest in BDSM is common (Renaud & Byers, 1999), often stigmatized, and that people hesitate to disclose it (Wright, 2006). [...]