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Towards a greater integration of ‘spicier’ sexuality into mainstream society? Social-psychological and socio-cultural predictors of attitudes towards BDSM

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Abstract

Opposition and stigmatization toward BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism) preferences or lifestyles only recently have begun to be documented. BDSM is stigmatized since vanilla sexuality (standard or conventional sexual practice) is considered the norm assuming BDSM practitioners as socially unacceptable, and BDSM as an unethical and unacceptable form of sex. This study examined women’s attitudes toward BDSM practices in the Greek socio-cultural context. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted between October 12 and December 12, 2021, via an online survey. This study’s convenience sample consisted of female undergraduate students (N = 240) who were recruited from two universities in the northern part of Greece. A between-subjects, correlational design was employed. Bivariate correlation was generated to explore the associations between variables of interest. Next, a multiple regression model was employed to predict ASMS (Attitudes toward Sadomasochism Scale) from the other study measures, based on the significance of the associations. This study’s findings show that the more conservative participants (whether in political or religious terms) oppose BDSM practices. The current study adds to the limited literature that examines the attitudes of people toward BDSM intending to clarify the social-psychological and socio-cultural factors that shape prejudicial attitudes towards BDSM and enhance the efforts of advocacy groups to promote social justice.

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  1. Psychology Department, Panteion University, Athens, Greece

    Iraklis Grigoropoulos

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  1. Iraklis Grigoropoulos
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Correspondence to Iraklis Grigoropoulos.

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Grigoropoulos, I. Towards a greater integration of ‘spicier’ sexuality into mainstream society? Social-psychological and socio-cultural predictors of attitudes towards BDSM. Sexuality & Culture 26, 2253–2273 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-022-09996-0

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