J Sex Med April 2020 PMID 32044259

Between Pleasure and Pain: A Pilot Study on the Biological Mechanisms Associated With BDSM Interactions in Dominants and Submissives.

Elise Wuyts, Nele De Neef, Violette Coppens, Erik Fransen, Eline Schellens, Maarten Van Der Pol, Manuel Morrens

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Mentions

Peak: 3 in Jan 2020

across 5 sources since Jan 2020

Extended reach

23,993

potential audience

Total likes

213

Video views

5,234

Mentions per month

Jan 2020 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter17 posts
Blogs4 articles
News3 articles
Bluesky2 posts
YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Overall, the discussions demonstrate strong curiosity and recognition of the study’s importance, with examples such as mentions of neurochemical links, the excitement about new research, and references to multimedia and educational content, which show a deeper exploration than casual comments. The tone and choice of words emphasize scientific interest and the potential impact on attitudes towards BDSM.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that the research provides valuable insights into the biological aspects of BDSM, reflected in positive reactions and references to the study’s significance.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high interest, sharing enthusiasm about neurobiological links and mentioning upcoming studies, indicating curiosity and engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include references to specific content, such as neurotransmitter links and media discussions, showing active involvement and deeper engagement beyond surface reactions.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions highlight that the study has footings in reputable research institutions and is being integrated into broader conversations about sexology and BDSM, suggesting some influence on understanding and reducing stigma.

Abstract in brief

The study investigates the biological mechanisms behind BDSM interactions by comparing hormone levels (cortisol, beta-endorphins, and endocannabinoids) in BDSM practitioners and non-practitioners, showing that submissives experience increases in stress and reward hormones during BDSM sessions.
Findings indicate that submissives exhibit increased cortisol and endocannabinoids after BDSM activities, while dominants mainly show rise in endocannabinoids during power-based play, suggesting a biological basis for the pleasure associated with BDSM.
Although limited by sample size and focus on a specific population, the study highlights a biological link between BDSM behavior and pleasure, aiming to reduce stigma by explaining these interactions through a scientific lens.]

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Biological Mechanisms Behind BDSM: Hormonal Responses in Participants

This study investigates the biological mechanisms behind BDSM interactions by comparing hormone levels such as cortisol, beta-endorphins, and endocannabinoids in practitioners and non-practitioners. Results suggest a…

精神科医松崎朝樹の精神医学 · May 27, 2025 4,083 views

Neuroscientific Insights into the Biological Effects of BDSM Play

Rob and Angel discuss neuroscientific research on the physiological impact of BDSM play, focusing on hormone changes in dominants and submissives. The study highlights the biological basis for pleasure and stress…

Professor Sex · Mar 3, 2020 1,151 views

二重転回

@counterpoint82 · X

依存形成の可能性、"同時に興奮する神経は結合する"働きの話は結構面白かった。コルチゾールが"ポジティブなストレスである興奮をもたらす"場合、それは神経の結合とやらによるものなのだろうか？広い意味での心理的マゾヒズムは色んな所で観察できそうではあるとも思った。 https://t.co/L70636hMy5

Jun 2, 2025 · 1 like · 94 followers View post →

Let's grab a hot drink!みゆ

@happynyankoyou · X

性的マゾヒズム［教養］なぜ苦痛が快感になるのか https://t.co/chrbYXOeXA @YouTubeより

May 31, 2025 · 1 like · 364 followers View post →

⌬ゆーた⌬

@gooo6d · X

性的マゾヒズム［教養］なぜ苦痛が快感になるのか https://t.co/ojrJeMXctc @YouTubeより

May 30, 2025 · 422 followers View post →

めさぶぎー

@waruimoomin · X

Mar 9, 2025 · 2 likes · 386 followers View post →

めさぶぎー

@waruimoomin · X

Mar 9, 2025 · 2 likes · 386 followers View post →

Francisco

@Giving_It_Raw · X

Between Pleasure and Pain: A Pilot Study on the Biological Mechanisms Associated With BDSM Interactions in Dominant… https://t.co/y6vqcMbJ1k

Apr 22, 2024 · 1,088 followers View post →

Lena

@HirsuteSub · X

RT @HirsuteSub: Nerding out on the links between BDSM and various neurotransmitters. Truly exciting studies are coming up in my search! Fi…

Feb 20, 2024 · 1 share · 167 followers View post →

Lena

@HirsuteSub · X

Feb 19, 2024 · 4 likes · 1 share · 167 followers View post →

Francisco

@Giving_It_Raw · X

Between Pleasure and Pain: A Pilot Study on the Biological Mechanisms Associated With BDSM Interactions in Dominant… https://t.co/y6vqcMbJ1k

Jan 5, 2024 · 1 like · 1,088 followers View post →

戻ってきた志保美

@shihomiM2 · X

結論を一言でいうなら、従者側はプレイでストレスと快楽を感じ、主側は支配的に振る舞っている時だけ快楽を感じているということかな。 https://t.co/zVQWcMkaYk

Jul 12, 2021 · 199 followers View post →

たまご(B面)

@tamagouratamago · X

RT @kokiikuno: とても興味深い内容。抄録しかよめないのが悔しい。。。予備研究もみてなるほどと思いました。https://t.co/2ikF7Ult64

Jul 12, 2021 · 3 shares · 2,247 followers View post →

戻ってきた志保美

@shihomiM2 · X

RT @kokiikuno: とても興味深い内容。抄録しかよめないのが悔しい。。。予備研究もみてなるほどと思いました。https://t.co/2ikF7Ult64 https://t.co/4ShZwP341g

Jul 11, 2021 · 3 shares · 199 followers View post →

小R

@Slave_Robby · X

@veroniquewu4210 這裡有篇跟BDSM相關的科學研究也很有趣~ (source from: https://t.co/s1tINot7qK) https://t.co/vTPzF9AdJi

Jun 13, 2021 · 1 like · 193 followers View post →

生野公貴（Koki Ikuno）

@kokiikuno · X

とても興味深い内容。抄録しかよめないのが悔しい。。。予備研究もみてなるほどと思いました。https://t.co/2ikF7Ult64 https://t.co/4ShZwP341g

May 13, 2021 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 7,671 followers View post →

SexPositiveEd

@SexPositiveEd · X

RT @TheCounProf: Next episode of #SexFromAtoZ is out! We recorded this one in front of a LIVE audience at @clubkinkjax! Angel and I discuss…

Mar 3, 2020 · 1 share · 2,284 followers View post →

Dr. Robert J. Zeglin (he/him)

@TheCounProf · X

Next episode of #SexFromAtoZ is out! We recorded this one in front of a LIVE audience at @clubkinkjax! Angel and I discuss a study that was making the rounds on social media. iTunes: https://t.co/90hbIo98t8 YT: https://t.co/PEajKbIJGp #Kink #Hormones #Sexology #SexualWellness https://t.co/Eo0rzzoccs

Mar 3, 2020 · 1 like · 1 share · 205 followers View post →

Ferns

@fernss.bsky.social · Bluesky

TIL that University of Antwerp has done some (small scale) studies on BDSM. Linking them for interested folks Jan 2020: "Between pleasure and pain: a pilot study on the biological mechanisms associated with BDSM interactions in dominants and submissives" https://t.co/5ydHUyybzb

Jan 5, 2020 · 1 share View post →

Ferns

@fernss.bsky.social · Bluesky

Jan 5, 2020 · 1 share View post →

Mistress Eva Lordes

@MsEvaLordes · X

Between pleasure and pain: a pilot study on the biological mechanisms associated with BDSM interactions in dominants and submissives. https://t.co/rVv3JTacY2

Jan 4, 2020 · 1 like · 1,570 followers View post →