Ricerc@Sapienza

Objective: In the vast and complex field of sexuality, this research will take into account a population usually
considered ‘underground’: people who participate in BDSM activities. In the mainstream imaginary this
population is often considered to be closer to the psychopathological area and risky behaviors.
Design and Method: This research compares the results of a protocol assessing constructs such as
impulse control (SES/SIS), alexithymia (TAS-20) and empathy (TEQ) between the BDSM (with a sample of
365 subjects both males and females), and the general population. The aim is to seek the extent of the
individual propensity for sexual excitation and inhibition, and the ability to recognize and name emotions in
oneself and in others, to shed light on the dividing line between what are considered common and unusual
sexual behaviors. Gender and role in the BDSM scene (Dom, Sub, Switch) have been considered as
independent variables.
Results: Findings were found to be close to the general population, stating for example that women are
more empathic than men, and that the male group tends to be more dominant that the female one. The
group of submissives males is the only exception, with interesting results in the sexual inhibition area, which
may depend on the social script.
Conclusions: These findings confirms that the difference between the BDSM and the general population is
not significant, and not in line with the mainstream social perception of this population to be incline to risky
and unemotional sexual behaviors.