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

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

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

Sexual masochism disorder

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

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.

See also

• Sadism
• Sadomasochism
• BDSM
• Paraphilia

References

Masochism Resources
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