Pathways and Patterns of Entrance into BDSM.
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Arielle Kuperberg, Associate Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Prior limited research on entrance into BDSM divided paths of entry into external or internalfactors (Yosta & Hunter, 2012), while research on age at entry into BDSM has not consideredvariation by BDSM role identity, gender, sexual orientation, and other demographic differences.In this mixed-methods exploratory study, we contribute to this literature by collecting andanalyzing qualitative interviews with 96 self-described practitioners of BDSM to more fullydescribe distinct pathways into BDSM, adding nuance to prior descriptions of entry. We alsocollected and analyzed surveys with 2,017 self-described practitioners of BDSM to examinepatterns of age at entry into BDSM practices and fantasies, and selection into older or youngerage at practice and age at fantasy by BDSM role identity, gender, sexual orientation, and otherdemographic characteristics. Interview respondents told “constructionist sexual stories''describing introductions to BDSM via popular culture including pornography and other media,the Internet, or a sexual partner that awaked an inherent interest, along with “essentialist sexualstories” which described self-discovery solely attributed to an inherent personality characteristic.Survey data revealed that age at fantasy and onset of behavior varied by social–environmentalfactors. Pathways and patterns into BDSM behavior and fantasies therefore reflect a combinationof idiosyncratic interests, exposure to ideas via the media or partners, and stratified social normsand opportunities related to sexual behavior.
Pathways and Patterns of Entrance into BDSM.
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Created on 1/12/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51(2)
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- sexual practices, sexual fantasies, BDSM, media influences, pornography