Sadomasochism in Sickness and in Health: Competing Claims from Science, Social Science, and Culture

Pleasure, Power, or Both? Heteronormativity, Stigma, and the Intersections of BDSM and Anoreceptive Heterosexual Males

Despite the direct connection between anal sex and pleasure, the majority of academic literature frames anal sex in terms of homophobia and/or disease. In the large body of literature on anal sex, only two academic articles have been published on anoreceptive heterosexual males (ARHMs), despite evidence of this type of sexuality dating back to Ancient Egypt and Greece. A review of the literature suggests that the lack of empirical research on ARHMs is due to compulsory heteronormativity, which can instill sexual shame in those with nonconforming sexual preferences. Some ARHMs are BDSM-oriented, and given that BDSM behavior and identity are also stigmatized, BDSM-oriented ARHMs have an additional concealable status that is subject to prejudice. Skills such as higher level communication and self-reflection often inform BDSM interactions and relationship structures, therefore, BDSM-oriented ARHMs may have more opportunity to develop skills to offset shame and stigma, and may take pride as well as pleasure in subverting traditionally heteronormative anoreception roles.

The Psychology of Puppy Play: A Phenomenological Investigation

This article presents a phenomenological investigation into the experience of engaging in a sexual practice known as "puppy play," where participants role-play being puppies or handlers (those that look after or own puppies), often within a dominance/submission sexual context. Only one previous study has been conducted on this phenomenon, and the present study sought to provide new knowledge about the meaning of this practice for participants. We conducted a qualitative analysis of data derived from 68 individual experience descriptions and 25 semi-structured interviews with puppies and handlers. Through the use of a phenomenological methodology focused on experience, we identified the key constituents that comprise this phenomenon and help make sense of peoples' desire to participate. The five themes include: (1) sexual pleasure; (2) relaxation, therapy, and escape from self; (3) adult play and vibrant physicality; (4) extending and expressing selfhood; and (5) relationships and community. We discuss this practice/identity in the context of enjoyment of the dominant/submissive sexual element, the perceived benefits of a form of mindful adult play, the opportunity to explore aspects of selfhood, and the value of relationships and community membership.

Sex Positivity and Counseling Psychology: An Introduction to the Major Contribution

In this introduction article to the Major Contribution on sex positivity in counseling psychology, we define sex positivity and its intersections with counseling psychology’s framework of social justice, wellness, and resilience. We describe related foundational aspects of sex positivity that counseling psychologists may integrate into their research and training, theory, and practice. Following this introductory article, the authors of four subsequent manuscripts in this Major Contribution focus on (a) the history of sex positivity in counseling and psychology, (b) training and supervision related to sex positivity in counseling psychology programs, (c) research on sex positivity within counseling psychology, and (d) clinical practice implications of sex positivity in counseling psychology.