BDSM is more than a sexual pursuit—it’s fueled by a variety of motivations that mirror the community’s diversity.
By surveying hundreds of BDSM practitioners, a global study in The Journal of Sex Research challenges conventional views on pleasure and power dynamics.
This final installment of our four-part series reveals why people practice BDSM. In doing so, it helps dispel misconceptions and stigma that hamper scientific inquiry.
Unmasking motivations
Part of a broader study exploring the multifaceted realm of BDSM, participants shared what drives them to practice it.
In total, 810 adults from 43 countries participated in an online survey created by researchers from the Department of Justice Studies at San Jose State University. Responding to an open-ended question, they gave their motivations for engaging in BDSM activities.
After sorting the responses into themes, the researchers applied multiple regression analyses to uncover demographic trends.
Revealing results
Many BDSM practitioners are motivated by personal enjoyment and fun rather than sexual reasons.
“The purpose for participation is so varied. I think that a lot of research, and societal assumptions, are that BDSM is about sex,” said study author Bryce Westlake, Ph.D.
“Sure, for a large percentage of people it is definitely about sex, but it is not the driving force and, in fact, for many people, sex has nothing to do with it.”
Results revealed a mix of personal, sexual, and psychological motivations. Most respondents also shared more than one reason for participating.
The top cited motivations for practicing BDSM:
- Enjoyment (45%)
- Sex (24%)
- A need for BDSM (24%)
- Mental health benefits (19%)
- Personal growth (17%)
- Forming connections with others (15%)
Demographic trends
Motivations varied widely among participants, with few common predictors. However, there were notable exceptions tied to age, nationality, sexual orientation, and BDSM history.
Enjoyment and sex
People from the UK were more likely to engage in BDSM for enjoyment.
Individuals who were dating, rather than married, were more likely to give sex as a reason. This was also true for those who identified as submissive or were self-introduced to BDSM.
The age at which people entered different stages of BDSM also influenced sexual motivation. Specifically, those who were younger when they first became aware of BDSM, developed an interest, and engaged in both private and public activities tended to be motivated by sex.
A need for BDSM and mental health reasons
Differing motivations emerged among private and public BDSM practitioners.
For example, those who participated solely in private were less likely to report a need for BDSM than those who practiced both privately and publicly.
Regarding age, those who cited a need for BDSM were younger when they became interested in it. Those who cited mental health reasons were also younger when they started participating privately.
In addition, Canadians and women were more likely to share mental health reasons as motivators.
Personal growth
Canadians were more likely than Americans to report personal growth as their reason for BDSM participation.
Sexual orientation also had an influence. Pansexuals were more likely than heterosexuals to cite personal growth as a motivation. On the other hand, bisexuals were less likely than heterosexuals to do so.
Furthermore, BDSM role preference and history were important factors in some cases.
Individuals who identified exclusively as either Dominant or submissive were less likely to cite personal growth than those who took on both roles. More experienced BDSM practitioners were also less likely to report it as a reason.
Conversely, individuals introduced to BDSM by a partner tended to cite personal growth as a motivation for practicing.
Forming connections with others
Individuals introduced to BDSM by a partner were also less likely to report forming a connection as their reason for participation.
However, LGBTQ+ individuals were more likely to cite forming connections with others as their reason.
The spectrum of BDSM play
The diversity among people who practice BDSM offers compelling opportunities for deeper exploration.
This article uncovered a wide range of motivations, including enjoyment, sex, need, mental health, personal growth, and connection. Overall, findings from the four-part series illuminate the complexity and nuance found within the BDSM community.
To authentically represent their practices, the study emphasizes the need to embrace this diversity. “It is important that society and future researchers recognize and acknowledge the spectrum of participants in BDSM,” said Dr. Westlake.
This call to action not only aims to enrich our knowledge but also spark a more dynamic and informed dialogue.
What would motivate you to practice BDSM?
