BDSM is an umbrella term covering Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism. It describes a wide range of consensual erotic and relational practices built on negotiated power exchange, trust, and communication between adult partners.
BDSM is an umbrella term covering Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism. The term describes a wide range of consensual erotic and relational practices built on negotiated power exchange, trust, and communication between adult partners. BDSM activities range from light bondage and role play to complex multi-year power-exchange relationships. Not every practitioner engages with every aspect of the acronym; many people are drawn to one or two elements and have no interest in others. The defining feature across every form of BDSM is informed, enthusiastic consent between all participants. Research consistently finds that BDSM practitioners report similar or better relationship satisfaction and mental health compared to the general population. BDSM is not the same as abuse; abuse is non-consensual and harmful, while BDSM is negotiated, agreed upon, and designed to benefit everyone involved. For a full treatment of the consent frameworks that structure BDSM practice, see the entries on SSC, RACK, and the FRIES consent model.