The Science of Sex

#48 – Why Are People Into BDSM?

11.13.2018 - By Dr. Zhana & Joe PardavilaPlay

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Some people are into sexually aggressive and humiliating acts, from biting &  spanking, to spitting and verbal humiliation. This is usually referred to as paraphilias, or uncommon sexual desires, but how uncommon are these sexual desires, actually? And, perhaps more controversially, could there be some evolutionary bases for some of our BDSM desires?

In Episode 48,  Dr. Zhana and Joe talk to Dr. Menelaos Apostolou from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus about his evolutionary theories on why people are into BDSM and the research he’s conducted trying to test them. In a large (though non-representative) sample of Greek Cypriots, he found that over 70% of people reported interest in at least one (and ~50% in at least three) different sexually aggressive and humiliating acts, both on the giving and the receiving end. Not so uncommon after all! Could people’s interest in these acts come from humanity’s long history of sexual violence and aggression, from war conquest to forced marriages? Listen to find out more about these fascinating, controversial evolutionary theories.

You can read the full study discussed in the episode here.

This week, we decided to skip the Foreplay and answer one of your questions instead! Dr. Zhana and Joe answer a listener question about our The Truth About Female Infidelity episode.

About our Guest

Dr. Menelaos Apostolou is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus. He was born in Athens, Greece and he completed his post-graduate and graduate studies in the United Kingdom. He has published several peer-reviewed papers, books, and chapters in books in the area of evolutionary psychology. His research focus is human mating behavior.

You can visit his website here.

Before Next Time…

Remember to like The Science of Sex Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

For more sex science articles, events and discussions please join our Science of Sex Facebook group!

Check out Dr. Zhana on November 20th at her Think & Drink NYC series event at the bar Subject where she will be debunking some common myths about the female orgasm, learn while enjoying a drink! Buy tickets here.

We have a new sponsor! Visit Lelo to fulfill your high-quality vibrator needs with a wide selection of vibrators for all! Use discount code SCIENCE to get 20% off on your new vibrating toy.

Visit Adam & Eve and use promo code SCIENCE for 50% off just about any product. Plus 3 FREE adult DVDs, FREE mystery gift and FREE shipping.

Remember to submit comments, questions, and everything in between on our Get in Touch Page!

Do you love The Science of Sex Podcast and all the work Dr. Zhana does? Support her by becoming a monthly Patreon Supporter!

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Pinterest

LinkedIn

10Shares

More episodes from The Science of Sex