Sadomasochism

A female dominant with a male submissive at her feet, from Dresseuses d'Hommes (1931) by Belgian artist Luc Lafnet

Sadism and masochism, known collectively as sadomasochism (/ˌseɪdoʊˈmæsəkɪzəm/ SAY-doh-MASS-ə-kiz-əm),^[1] are the derivation of pleasure from acts of respectively inflicting or receiving pain or humiliation.^[2] Practitioners of sadomasochism may seek sexual pleasure from their acts. While the terms sadist and masochist refer respectively to one who enjoys giving and receiving pain, some practitioners of sadomasochism may switch between activity and passivity.^[3]

The abbreviation S&M is commonly used for Sadomasochism (or Sadism & Masochism), although the initialisms S-M, SM, or S/M are also used, particularly by practitioners. Sadomasochism is not considered a clinical paraphilia unless such practices lead to clinically significant distress or impairment for a diagnosis.^[4] Similarly, sexual sadism within the context of mutual consent, generally known under the heading BDSM, is distinguished from non-consensual acts of sexual violence or aggression.^[5]

^ Wells, John (3 April 2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Pearson Longman. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0.
^ Murray, Thomas Edward; Murrell, Thomas R. (1989). The Language of Sadomasochism: A Glossary and Linguistic Analysis. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-0-313-26481-8.
^ Aron, Lewis; Starr, Karen (2013). A Psychotherapy for the People: Toward a Progressive Psychoanalysis. New York: Routledge. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-415-52998-3.
^ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (PDF) (4 ed.). Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric Association. 1994. p. 525. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2011. A Paraphilia must be distinguished from the nonpathological use of sexual fantasies, behaviors, or objects as a stimulus for sexual excitement in individuals without a paraphilia. Fantasies, behaviors, or objects are paraphiliac only when they lead to clinically significant distress or impairment (e.g., are obligatory, result in sexual dysfunction, require participation of nonconsenting individuals, lead to legal complications, interfere with social relationships).
^ Fedoroff 2008, p. 637:"Sexual arousal from consensual interactions that include domination should be distinguished from nonconsensual sex acts."

[longman-1] Wells, John (3 April 2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Pearson Longman. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0.

[:3-2] Murray, Thomas Edward; Murrell, Thomas R. (1989). The Language of Sadomasochism: A Glossary and Linguistic Analysis. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-0-313-26481-8.

[3] Aron, Lewis; Starr, Karen (2013). A Psychotherapy for the People: Toward a Progressive Psychoanalysis. New York: Routledge. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-415-52998-3.

[DSM4525-4] Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (PDF) (4 ed.). Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric Association. 1994. p. 525. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2011. A Paraphilia must be distinguished from the nonpathological use of sexual fantasies, behaviors, or objects as a stimulus for sexual excitement in individuals without a paraphilia. Fantasies, behaviors, or objects are paraphiliac only when they lead to clinically significant distress or impairment (e.g., are obligatory, result in sexual dysfunction, require participation of nonconsenting individuals, lead to legal complications, interfere with social relationships).

[Fedoroff637-5] Fedoroff 2008, p. 637:"Sexual arousal from consensual interactions that include domination should be distinguished from nonconsensual sex acts."

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