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Title
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A Survey Study Investigating Stigma towards BDSM in the General Population and Self-Stigmatization among BDSM Practitioners
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Author
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Abstract
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| Introduction: Previous research has shown rather high prevalence rates of BDSM-related activities in the Belgian population. Nevertheless, BDSM is still being stigmatized and pathologized. Yet very few studies have focused on these phenomena among BDSM practitioners and in the general population. The current two-part study investigated a) stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about BDSM in the general population, and b) self-reported stigma in members of the BDSM community. Methods and results: In study 1, a cross-sectional survey questionnaire, containing the Big Five Inventory and a self-developed stigma-questionnaire, was completed by 300 members of the general population lacking any interest in BDSM (135 males, 158 women, 4 gender fluid, 3 genderless). Three dimensions of stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about BDSM were identified, being prejudices, discrimination and incomprehension. About 86% maintained stigmatizing beliefs about these sexual interests and practices. Higher age, higher levels of conscientiousness, and lower levels of openness and agreeableness were found to be predictors for stigmatization. Study 2 involved 256 BDSM practitioners (110 males, 135 women, 7 gender fluid, 2 genderless) who completed a questionnaire with items concerning experienced stigmatization or discrimination because of their BDSM interests. About 28% reported not feeling comfortable to share their interests with the outside-world. Conclusion: These results suggest that people who do not conform to the current social standards of our society may not be explicitly excluded, but often seem to remain the subject of stigmatization and discrimination. Proper education about the concept of BDSM could be a first step in stigma-reduction. |
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Language
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English
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Publication
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2020
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DOI
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10.47739/2578-3718/1055
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Volume/pages
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4
:7
, 9 p.
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Article Reference
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1055
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Medium
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E-only publicatie
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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