BDSM is an umbrella term for Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism. It encompasses a variety of activities that are characterized by consent, communication, and boundaries.
As cultural attitudes shift and BDSM becomes increasingly mainstream, research on these practices is expanding. For sexual health professionals, it is critical to understand this evolving landscape not only at the community or national level, but also globally. This blog reviews recent international studies on BDSM and highlights their implications for clinical and educational practice.
Despite ongoing stigma, research shows that BDSM can provide psychosocial and relational benefits. For professionals, moving beyond stigma and integrating evidence into practice is essential.
Where does our BDSM research come from?
Much of the research on BDSM, sexual health, and general health comes from WEIRD populations. This acronym stands for:
Western
Educated
Industrialized
Rich
Democratic
These groups are consistently overrepresented in psychological and sexuality research. Generally, and within sexuality studies, heterosexual, cisgender, able-bodied, and male-dominant samples are also disproportionately studied.
Why does this matter?
As sexual health professionals, we rely on research to guide education, clinical decision-making, and community interventions. Representation in research is foundational to building inclusive practices. Encouragingly, while WEIRD samples still dominate, recent BDSM research is beginning to include more global perspectives.
BDSM in the global context
Over the past year, more international research has emerged that helps us better understand global patterns in BDSM. Below, we review two key studies and their implications for sexual health professionals.
Study 1: Global Survey on BDSM Practices
The first large international survey on BDSM, published in 2024, explored variation in interests and practices across regions. While WEIRD populations were still oversampled, the study included participants from diverse global backgrounds. Key findings:
Private vs. Public Play: Across all regions, over 95% engaged in BDSM privately. North Americans were more likely than Europeans or Oceanians to participate publicly at events such as BDSM-themed gatherings and munches (social gathering events for those interested in BDSM)
Age of First Practice: No significant differences were found across continents when people first engaged in BDSM.
Onset of Fantasies: Europeans reported earlier onset of BDSM-related fantasies
Regional Differences in Practice: North Americans scored higher than Europeans on fantasies and activities related to Discipline and Exhibitionism
BDSM practices are widespread, with notable similarities across continents. However, cultural factors, such as religiosity, stigma, and policy, shape how communities engage in, and talk about, BDSM. For sexual health professionals, understanding these contexts is crucial.
Study 2: Age of Awareness, Pathways of Introduction, and Motivations
Earlier this year, another study, drawing mainly from the US, Canada, and the UK, examined when and how people first became aware of BDSM.
Early awareness of BDSM was a common trend in this study.
Most participants became aware of BDSM during adolescence (ages 10–21).
Over 60% learned about BDSM before age 18. About one in four minors engaged privately in BDSM play, while only 8% discovered BDSM after age 30.
Roughly 40% did not publicly participate until after 30.
Self-introduction, followed by a partner, and a friend were the most common sources of introduction to BDSM.
62% of individuals reported self-discovery as their introduction to BDSM.
Partners (22%) and friends (14%) were also common pathways.
Fewer than 15% cited the internet, literature, family, or media.
Identity-related factors were stronger predictors of when participants learned about or engaged in BDSM than their stated reasons. For example:
Canadians reported earlier interest than Americans.
Compared to older generations, Gen Z-ers were more likely to report younger interest and least likely to play with friends and non-sexual romantic partners.
Sexually diverse participants also reported interest at a younger age than heterosexuals.
Younger private participation was more common among females, transgender individuals, pansexual participants, persons of color, and those outside the US/UK/Canada compared to their counterparts.
Across all groups, the leading motivation for BDSM was enjoyment. Nearly half of participants explicitly used terms such as pleasure, fun, happy, good, and enjoyment when describing their reasons for engaging.
45% of participants reported enjoyment as their reason for engaging in BDSM.
Why This Matters for Sexual Health Professionals
These findings underscore several key points:
BDSM is global and diverse. While WEIRD samples still dominate, cross-cultural studies reveal both shared patterns and regional differences.
Awareness begins early. Many people become interested in BDSM during adolescence, highlighting the need for thoughtful, stigma-free conversations in sexual education and clinical care.
Representation matters. Background factors (gender, sexuality, cultural context) influence how and when people engage in BDSM. Research must better reflect this diversity to inform inclusive practice.
Stigma persists. BDSM stigma and kinkphobia continue to affect both practitioners’ lives and how professionals discuss BDSM. Reducing stigma in clinical and community contexts is essential.
Interested in learning more about BDSM?
SHA offers a wide range of resources, events, and certifications to help professionals deepen their knowledge of BDSM and kink.
Resources:
Explore the psychology of pain and pleasure within the context of BDSM
Learn about hidden narratives that shape our understanding of kink and BDSM from Midori
Discover how kink can be used to heal from sexual health trauma
Delve into what kink-informed therapy means from licensed marriage and family therapist, educator Jo Zarate-Sanderlin
Find out how to talk to clients about kink preferences with Dr. Nicole Crawford
Certifications:
SHA offers a variety of programs for sexuality professionals. Become certified as a:
Want to be kink-informed?
Become kink informed certified (KIC) with SHA. With this training, you will be able to better provide for clients’ needs around sexuality around those that engage in kink, BDSM, and alternative sexuality.
Written by Emma Sell-Goodhand, MPH
Emma is a doctoral student and Global One Health Fellow at North Carolina State University studying adolescent sexual health. She brings prior experience as a Technical Advisor at the World Health Organization.
Want to become an in-demand sexual health professional? Learn more about becoming certified with SHA!
