Description and Diagnosis Sexual masochism disorder is one of the DSM-5 paraphilic disorders. It is characterized by the feeling of sexual arousal or excitement resulting from receiving pain, suffering, or humiliation. The pain is real and can be physical or psychological in nature. An individual with this disorder is sometimes referred to as a masochist. In addition to sexual pleasure derived from receiving pain and humiliation, an individual with sexual masochism often experiences significant distress or significant impairment due to their behaviors and fantasies (e.g., urges). The distress or impairment can affect functioning in social, occupational, or other important areas of an individual’s life. The individual receiving the pain, …show more content…
Some masochistic acts include being retrained by ropes, handcuffs, chains, or cages. Other acts include spanking, burning, whipping, cutting, rape, and mutilation. Masochistic behavior can also occur in the context of fantasy role-playing. For example, a sadist can play the role of a prison guard and a masochist can play the role of a prisoner. Masochistic sexual fantasies typically begin in childhood and the onset of sexual masochism usually occurs during early adulthood (American Psychological Association, 2013). One particular form of sexual masochism is extremely dangerous and can result in death. This feature is known as hypoxyphilia and involves deprivation of oxygen to an individual while they are being sexually aroused. This form of sexual masochism can be self-inflicted or by the hands of another individual. Sexual masochism is slightly more prevalent in males …show more content…
However, there are some theories that try to explain the presence of paraphilias in general. One theory is that an individual becomes a paraphilia because of inappropriate sexual fantasies that are suppressed. Due to the suppression of acting out on these urges, when an individual eventually acts out on the fantasies, an individual exhibits considerable distress and/or arousal. There is also a belief that masochists want to engage in a dominating role. This belief can cause conflict and make them submissive to others. Another theory is that masochists use their behavior as a means to escape by acting out their fantasies and become new and different