Predictors of kink community involvement in those interested in sadism and/or masochism.

This article examines how sexual sadism (arousal from controlling or causing pain, suffering, or humiliation) and sexual masochism (arousal from being controlled or experiencing pain, suffering, or humiliation)—both components of BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism)—relate to involvement in kink communities. Using survey data from 743 individuals with sadism and/or masochism interests, the study found that greater sadism-related behavior and distress predicted kink community involvement, whereas sadism interest alone did not; in contrast, both masochism interest and behavior predicted community involvement, but masochism-related distress did not. The most common sources of distress reported were societal, familial, and relational stigma, which may motivate individuals to seek community support. The findings highlight the complex interplay of interest, behavior, distress, gender, and sexual identity in understanding engagement with kink communities and suggest the need for further research on psychosocial factors influencing participation in stigmatized sexual minority groups.