Wax, Whips, and Bondage: A Psychological Analysis of SM

With the diversification of sexual values, the term "SM" has entered the public eye in recent years. "S" stands for Sadism, which refers to the tendency to derive sexual pleasure from inflicting pain on others. "M" stands for Masochism, which refers to the tendency to derive sexual pleasure from experiencing pain oneself.



These terms were derived from the names of two authors who wrote extensively on themes of sadomasochism. Sadism is named after the Marquis de Sade, a French nobleman known for his works that depicted the infliction of pain on women as a means of sexual gratification. Masochism is named after Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, an Austrian writer who enjoyed experiencing pain in sexual contexts.



Historically, most research on SM has been based on clinical observations and studies of individual behavior. Like other paraphilias, SM was traditionally considered a form of sexual deviation in psychology. However, in recent years, with the introduction of more open sexual values and sociological perspectives, researchers have broadened their views. SM is now increasingly seen as a sexual preference rather than a psychological or mental issue.



Since this group is relatively small (a 1974 survey by sexologist Hunt indicated that about 5% of men and 2% of women engaged in SM), and their activities are often secretive, many people have only heard of SM but never witnessed it. Interestingly, it has been observed that some highly educated individuals or corporate executives are enthusiasts of SM, even paying large sums of money to be "abused." This has sparked curiosity about what kind of satisfaction these individuals derive from sadomasochistic activities.



Russian biologists have found that flogging can trigger the release of a large number of chemicals in the human body, which induce feelings of pleasure. When a whip strikes the body, the brain, perceiving pain, stimulates the secretion of endorphins. These chemicals produce a sense of euphoria and also release certain sex hormones. These hormones are believed to enhance the immune system's response and may help alleviate negative psychological states such as addiction, depression, and anxiety. This biological perspective provides a scientific explanation for SM enthusiasts and offers them a theoretical basis to reduce the psychological burden associated with their sexual preferences.



From psychological and psychiatric perspectives, there are still no conclusive research findings on the psychology of SM enthusiasts. However, some researchers have proposed that "those who are addicted to SM often experience spiritual emptiness". Mild forms of sexual sadism, such as light biting or scratching, can provide sexual stimulation but do not reach the level of SM. SM enthusiasts have an exaggerated dependence on sadomasochistic experiences. If their needs are not met, they may feel anxious, physically uncomfortable, and experience an intense, highly tense, and distorted emotional state. After their needs are satisfied, they return to a calm state, similar to the withdrawal reactions experienced by internet addicts or drug users.



It is often observed that individuals with superior living conditions, lacking higher pursuits, may turn to this alternative and intense form of sexual stimulation to fulfill and fill their spiritual void. Another perspective suggests that men with weaker sexual abilities (or those who have lost sexual function) may use sadomasochistic activities to achieve psychological satisfaction. For example, it is a common trope in films and television that eunuchs, despite having lost their physical sexual abilities, still have intact sexual desires. Due to the imbalance between their sexual physiology and psychology, they may resort to physically abusing their sexual partners to achieve psychological satisfaction. Similarly, older men with young wives may experience feelings of inadequacy and anger due to their diminished sexual abilities, leading them to engage in sexual abuse of their wives.



Some argue that enthusiasts of SM are trying to balance themselves and compensate for a sense of deficiency. Individuals in high positions, who are often seen as successful, may need to maintain a leader's image and constantly project a powerful demeanor. This leaves them with few opportunities to relax. However, maintaining such a facade for an extended period can lead to a sense of blocked life energy and feelings of incompleteness. Engaging in SM, especially in the "dominant and submissive" role-playing games, allows them to temporarily shed their social masks and experience the feeling of being humble. This process helps them achieve a sense of psychological and spiritual balance, which in turn gives them the energy to continue playing their high-pressure, rigid leadership roles.



Finally, the renowned sexologist Havelock Ellis suggested that SM is a part of the courtship process in primitive societies, and that this behavior in humans is a form of atavism. In lower animals, various forms of sadomasochistic behavior are observed during mating. For example, female praying mantises and some spiders often eat their mates after copulation, and roosters may peck at the hens' head feathers during mating. Human SM practices share similarities with these behaviors.