Masochism, on which many experts have studied and continue to do so, contains very interesting information. Masochistic people enjoy the physical and mental pain they suffer and want to experience it constantly. Masochism, also known as sadomasochism, can be treated with various therapies today.
Masochism, on which the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud has studied extensively, has similar characteristics with borderline personality disorder. Without further ado, let’s move on to our article where we answer frequently asked questions such as who is a masochist and the characteristics of masochism.
Let’s start from the basics; What is masochism?
Masochism, a psychological term, is defined as the tendency to suffer physical or emotional pain in order to experience pleasure and satisfaction. The term masochism was widely used by Sigmund Freud, the founder of the science of psychoanalysis, in the 19th century. Contrary to popular belief, masochism is not a term only related to sexuality. It also refers to one’s willingness to suffer or inflict pain on others.
In psychology, masochism can occur as a defense, relief, or form of self-punishment for certain emotions. For example, a person who feels intense guilt about a situation may want to prevent this feeling by suffering.
So who is called a masochist?
Being incredibly hard on yourself, secretly wanting to take revenge on people who underestimate you, or working until you are exhausted, but not taking any action on these issues and withdrawing are typical masochist characteristics. From a psychological perspective, the behaviors that a masochist remains silent about and that upsets him/herself are mostly behaviors that the ego exhibits on its own. In other words, masochists make themselves experience the feeling of suffering in these situations.
What are the characteristics of masochistic people?
- Repeated contact with people who upset them
- Constantly speaking negatively and criticizing themselves
- Take a special interest in toxic people
- Ending healthy relationships suddenly
- Starting fights to increase the passion they feel
- Insistently seeking approval from people who do not approve of anything
- Letting people take advantage of them
- Becoming more comfortable spending time with unhappy people
- They sabotage their own happiness
- Wanting to perform acts that cause physical pain
Masochistic people are in a very complex psychological state, which may be related to their life experiences, past traumas and personal characteristics. Research has revealed that the origins of the masochistic personality structure come from arguments between the growing child and overly controlling parents. Although children growing up in this way want to take revenge on their parents, they do not have the strength to do so, which paves the way for them to have the characteristics mentioned above.
Individuals who enjoy causing themselves mental and physical pain continue to communicate with people they know harm them, may suddenly end healthy relationships in which they have no problems, keep themselves open to being used, and never refrain from performing physically painful actions.
If you think you or anyone around you has these characteristics, you need to see a therapist as soon as possible. These therapies provide a better understanding and awareness of the destructive events experienced in the past, allowing the person to make more conscious choices.
What are the types of masochism?
- sexual masochism
- physical masochism
- emotional masochism
- Submissive masochism
sexual masochism
Sexual masochism is the enjoyment of being humiliated, dominated or subjected to pain during intercourse. This also includes various consensual BDSM practices or other forms of sexual behavior that involve pain and humiliation.
physical masochism
Physical masochism is when a person experiences pleasure by causing physical harm to himself. Such people may experience feelings of relief or catharsis (purification) from experiencing the sensations of pain.
emotional masochism
This type of masochism is the pain one experiences in situations such as rejection or humiliation, etc. is to enjoy the feelings. People with emotional masochism have a high tolerance for emotional pain or may feel relief from experiencing negative emotions.
Submissive masochism
Submissive masochism is a term used to describe masochistic individuals who do not fully fall into the types of sexual masochism or emotional masochism. Such masochists do not feel immediate sexual arousal from pain, but they feel and experience the dynamics of the master and slave relationship to the fullest. At the same time, individuals with submissive masochism want to experience mental challenges through both physical and emotional pain and derive various meanings from the pain.
What are the types of masochism according to Freud?
- object masochism
- moral masochism
- Narcissistic masochism
object masochism
According to Freud, an individual with object masochism wants his or her sexually attractive partner to do painful things or behave badly. The person may find this pain caused by his partner sexually stimulating.
moral masochism
Freud introduced moral masochism to explain individuals’ desire to go beyond their internal moral limits. These people tend to violate the norms or moral values of the society they live in and enjoy the feeling of guilt they experience.
Narcissistic masochism
People with this masochism tend to consciously harm their own body or state of mind. According to Freud, people are caught up in thoughts of punishing themselves or making themselves suffer for no reason.
Important information about masochism
- It is a treatable condition
- Freud made the most important studies
- There is no clear information about the first masochist case.
- The term sadism comes from the writer Marquis de Sade.
Masochism can be overcome with psychotherapy and other treatment methods performed by a specialist. However, the treatment applied to the person may differ depending on whether the masochistic tendencies are severe or mild.
Famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud studied the subject of masochism with various psychoanalytic theories. At the same time, he associated masochism with human sexual development and personality structure. According to Freud, masochism can occur in various forms and times and is closely related to the process of a person’s sexual development.
There are no details about the first case of masochism in historical records, but various religious rituals based on pain throughout history are shown as masochistic behavior.
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