Masochism

Masochism is a psychological condition where an individual derives pleasure from experiencing pain or humiliation. The term is derived from the name of the 19th-century Austrian novelist Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, known for his novel Venus in Furs that depicted masochistic scenarios.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Masochism is often associated with various forms of sexual masochism where pleasure is gained from pain or humiliation in a sexual context. However, it can also refer to non-sexual masochism where pleasure is derived from pain or humiliation in non-sexual contexts.

Types[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of masochism: Sexual masochism disorder and Self-defeating personality disorder (also known as masochistic personality disorder).

Sexual masochism disorder[edit | edit source]

Sexual masochism disorder is a condition in which individuals derive sexual pleasure or arousal from suffering physical pain or humiliation. This disorder is classified under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a paraphilic disorder.

Self-defeating personality disorder[edit | edit source]

Self-defeating personality disorder, also known as masochistic personality disorder, is a proposed personality disorder which was discussed in an appendix of the revised third edition of DSM (DSM-III-R) but was never formally admitted into the manual. Individuals with this disorder typically exhibit behavior which they know will prevent their happiness or success.

References[edit | edit source]

Masochism Resources
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