Exploring the Impact of Internalized Stigma on Kink Group Identification in Individuals with Kink-related Interests

Abstract

Kink/BDSM involves both sexual and non-sexual exchange of sensation, control, and authority, with high levels of communication to facilitate ongoing negotiation and consent. In recent years, researchers have found that some BDSM acts were identified as aspects of ‘rough sex’ rather than kink/BDSM which may mean that vital aspects of kink/BDSM negotiation and consent frameworks are not being utilized. For kink-interested individuals, accessing community may be an essential protective factor that facilitates greater practice of safety and consent protocols, and decreases the impact of stigma and discrimination. Accessing community, however, may only be possible through the act of acknowledging one’s kink interest and forming kink identities. The current study investigated the role of internalized stigma in the relationship between kink/BDSM interests and in-group identification. We found that for those interested in more common, less extreme behaviours, such as, blindfolding and tying up, internalized stigma seemed to have a negative impact on one’s positive feelings toward in-group members, and salience and importance of identification with group members. In contrast, for those interested in choking, and strangulation, we saw that internalized stigma has a positive impact on one’s investment with other in-group members. These results indicate that the impact of internalized stigma on identification with in-group members is complex and may depend on the kink/BDSM interests one investigates. Future researchers should consider investigating the impact of internalized stigma on interest and identity, while including additional factors that may impact this relationship. Additionally, we should attempt to understand how all these factors impact pathways to community, access to essential safety information, and the potential benefits of social support.