The Science of S&M: Finally S&M Gets Its Own Science Study

Finally, Sadomasochism Gets Its Own Science Study

Spanking, flagellation and cockbinding; researchers at the University of Northern Illinois have been very naughty in their attempt to quantify physiological responses to sadomasochistic activities.

Saliva Samples

In order to measure hormone levels, the Illinois researchers collected saliva samples from S&M party goers. Although most of us are a bit shy in regards to sharing our personal sex life, the S&M community was apparently quite eager to help.

Reduces Stress And Increases Relationship Closeness.

In their Archives of Sexual Behavior publication, the stress hormone cortisol along with the dominance associated testosterone hormone was measured in 58 sadomasochistic practicing couples before and after kinky sex fun time.

Their results, along with a review of S&M literature suggests couples that practice S&M experience reduced levels of stress and feel an increase in relationship closeness.

S&M Scenes Observation To Gather Psychological Data

Speaking of the quest for greater and necessary knowledge, just collecting saliva samples before and after each S&M scene wasn't enough for these deviant scientists; in order to gather psychological data, researchers observed the actual S&M scenes themselves and even took notes:

11:00 pm: Hand restraints placed

11:02pm: Bottom disrobes, faces north

11:05pm: Bottom Kneels

Their Hypothesis Turned Out To Be True

As for the physiological results of this study, researchers predicted that cortisol levels in individuals playing the bottom role (one that follows orders, receives stimulation, is bound, etc...) would have an increase in cortisol levels followed by a drop in cortisol after the scene was over. In other words, people that are knowingly about to place themselves in a situation that includes physical pain and other stressful activities, such as sensory deprivation, were predicted to have an increase in stress hormones and once the activity ends, are likely to have a decrease in stress hormones. To sum up this highly climatic portion of the study, their hypothesis did indeed turn out to be true.

Take It Like A Man

In regards to testosterone which is often an indicator of status in dominance hierarchies, it was hypothesized that perhaps individuals that assume top roles (gives orders, provides stimulation, etc...) would have a higher baseline testosterone level. This however was not the case, bottoms had higher levels of testosterone (both males and females) than tops. The authors suggest that one explanation for this occurrence is that testosterone levels could have been increased due to the anticipation of an endurance-like challenge. This explanation for heightened testosterone in bottoms makes sense considering in S&M, you've got to be prepared to take it like man.

Not A Psychosexual Disorder

Traditionally, sadomasochistic sexual practices are considered to be a psychosexual disorder. However nowadays, only closed-minded prudes think that. Although caning, nipple clamps and nut stomping might be a bit out of your personal comfort zone, surveys suggest that a "substantial minority of people engage in or fantasize about such practices today." In fact, people have been incorporating pain and bondage into sexual practices for thousands of years. Chances are if you haven't fantasized about it, your partner has.

Emotional Intimacy

Relationship closeness was also assessed immediately after the S&M scene took place. Subjects who reported that their scene went well, indicated that they felt closer to their partner afterward. This isn't surprising because even though S&M often includes hot wax, skin branding and enemas, intimacy is actually a big part of S&M; tops really do care about their bottoms as illustrated in this touching observation of human kindness:

"...the top noticed that the bottom, who was bent over a table, was moving one foot around, unable to rest it evenly on the floor. The top paused the scene activities and placed a pillow under the bottom's foot to relieve the discomfort."

Wuh-PSSSH!

So the next time you and the Misses are feeling a lack of intimacy bust out the rabbit fur blanket, agree on some safe words, lower that sex swing, and let the spankings begin!