An Investigation Into the Use of Stereotypes and Their Appropriateness Within BDSM Communities Specifically Pertaining to Mental Health, Gender Identity, Sexuality and Parental Relationships

BDSM (bondage, discipline and dominance, submission and sadism, and masochism), or 'kinks', pertain to consensual abnormal activities or interests from which participants derive sexual pleasure. Participation is stigmatised and practitioners can face sometimes harmful stereotypes. This paper focused on the most common; those who partake in BDSM are LGBTQ+, mentally ill or have poor parental relationships.

Study one aimed to assess the validity of these stereotypes using quantitative research methods. One-way ANOVAs were conducted on participant responses to an online survey containing questions from the sadomasochism scale (Weierstall & Giebel, 2017), Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA-45; Armsden & Greenberg, 1987) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Associations arose between BDSM interest and identifying as genderqueer, queer or poor mental wellbeing. No association was found between parental relationships and BDSM interest.

Study two aimed to build upon study one, assessing the use of stereotypes, and any relationship between BDSM enjoyment and stereotype use. Chi-square tests of independence found no association between BDSM enjoyment and answers in line with stereotypes about sexuality, gender and mental wellbeing. A possible relationship appeared between BDSM enjoyment and the use of parental relationship stereotypes, however, in both groups most participants did not answer in line with this stereotype, suggesting low usage.

Evidence was found supporting stereotypes around the sexuality, gender and mental wellbeing of BDSM enjoyers. Positively, the use of some negative stereotypes about BDSM enjoyers is seemingly limited. Continued research should be undertaken with an aim to continued reduction in their use, especially by medical professionals (Sprott et al., 2021) to reduce mal effects and stigma felt by kinky individuals.