Between submission and pain. Shades of BDSM practices. / Miedzy zaleznoscia a bólem. Odcienie praktyk BDSM.

Many people are interested in BDSM practices. Some people practice and others fantasize about participating in these practices. Several elements are related to BDSM practices that are usually unaccepted in a close relationship, such as a strong dependence of one partner on the other or inflicting pain. BDSM practitioners create various relationships, and in a broader context, their communities. From a clinical perspective, an important issue is whether BDSM relation is consensual and serves the personal and relationship development or it can be a premise for the diagnosis of a paraphilic disorder, or recognizing abuse or mechanism of trauma repetition Adequate understanding of the behaviors that may be described by a patient practicing BDSM requires, however, getting to know the specifics of such relationships. The mental and sexual health professional would be able then to evaluate them adequately, without referring to a subjective norm or bias on stereotype or prejudice.

Between a role and identification. Understanding BDSM practices from practitioners' perspective. / Miedzy rola a identyfikacja. Rozumienie praktyk BDSM z perspektywy osób w nie zaangazowanych.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the research was to study the narrative of BDSM practitioners (sadism and masochism - S/M, bondage and discipline - B&D) and to attempt to describe how they interpret and define their practices and what significance they have in their life. METHODS: Qualitative methodology - grounded theory - has been used in the study. The sample consisted of 12 individuals aged 20-49 who identified with BDSM practices. The data have been collected through intensive interviews with participants. RESULTS: Based on the language analysis of the interviews, researchers established categories related to identity and the definition of BDSM. Subsequently, the initial model of the process of defining one's own sexuality in BDSM practicing individuals was proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The research showed stages of the process of defining and accepting their sexuality in BDSM practicing individuals and multifaceted identification with their BDSM roles. The initial stage of the development of identification with BDSM was gender identity and sexual orientation. The participants defined their sexuality by either the identification with their roles in BDSM practices (not only as a form of sexual activity, but also in every-day life) or assuming such roles temporarily. It seems that defining their identity by the persons practicing BDSM is not an either-or between "identity" or a "role", but can be seen as continuum.