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The implication of two studies into hormonal changes associated with Sadomasochistic (S&M) activities including spanking, bondage and flogging suggest that it could bring consenting couples closer together.
Scientists from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb measured levels of the stress hormone Cortisol in thirteen men and women at an S&M party in Arizona, before, during and after participating in Sadomasochistic activities.
Lead researcher Brad Sagarin found that during S&M scenes, Cortisol levels rose significantly in those receiving stimulation, but dropped back to normal within 40 minutes if the scene went well. However, there was no change in those inflicting the activity.
In a further experiment, the Researchers measured testosterone levels in 45 men and women, at an S&M event in Colorado. The results of that experiment showed that there was a significant increase in receiving women only.
Donatella Marazziti of the University of Pisa, Italy, said that the boost might help women cope with the aggressive nature of S&M activities, or that it could be another sign of stress. However, in both studies, couples who said the party went well also reported increases in relationship closeness.
Richard Wiseman, a Psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, added that almost any shared activity would be likely to promote interpersonal closeness, saying:
It doesn’t have to be tying up your partner or placing clamps on their nipples, it could be something as simple as cooking a meal together or even doing the housework as a duo.
Nick Neave, a Psychologist at the University of Northumbria, said the results were interesting, but future studies should control for whether participants experienced orgasm – which is associated with reduced stress and an increase in hormones associated with partner-bonding and affection.
The study appears in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.
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Posted by Jonathan in Psychology, Sociology