Kink Psychology: Why People Engage in BDSM, Kink Subcultures, and Neurodiversity

The British Psychological Society’s PsychCrunch episode dives into the psychology of kink, BDSM, and pup play with researchers Dr Liam Wignnell and Dr Kate Marks. The discussion covers how kink is defined as a broad spectrum beyond normative sex, the central role of consent, and how communities shape identity and well-being. It highlights surprising research findings—such as high BDSM interest in the general population and elevated autism quotient scores among pup-play participants—along with reflections on stigma, mainstreaming, and clinical implications. The episode also examines emotional experiences, safe practice, and the potential therapeutic use of kink in safe contexts.

Overview and Definitions

The episode opens with a content warning about sexual themes and a careful discussion of kink. Dr Liam Wignnell describes kink as a spectrum of activities that lie outside normative versions of sex, noting that kink can be about social dynamics, physical sensations, or emotional connections, not solely sexual activity. He emphasizes consent as the cornerstone of any kink engagement and discusses the use of paraphernalia, gear, and community practices that help people express their identities safely. The conversation foregrounds that kink is not monolithic; it encompasses both solo and group play, and its meaning can vary across individuals and contexts.

"It is a spectrum of sexual or erotic activities outside of normative versions of sex," - Dr Liam Wignnell

Kink in the Population and Communities

The experts discuss research indicating kink is more common than some people expect. A Belgian study cited by Wignnell found that about 25% of respondents were interested in BDSM, with more than 46% having engaged in at least one BDSM-related activity and around 12% doing so regularly. He cautions that, while there are benefits to communities—such as authenticity, validation, and empowerment—there are also risks that warrant education about safer practices. The internet’s role in expanding access to information and connecting people to communities is a double-edged sword, enabling both education and potentially risky behaviors for those who are not well integrated into communities.

"There are clear benefits, but then part of what I've tried to think about is the difficulties and negatives with that as well, that certain kink activities are not without risk." - Dr Liam Wignnell

Pup Play and Neurodiversity

Turning to pup play, a subculture where participants take on dog-like roles, the episode explains gear like pup hoods and collars, but also emphasizes the activity’s social and sexual dimensions. Wignnell recounts how, during interviews, several participants disclosed neurodivergent traits, prompting online surveys that included autism quotient measures. In their study with Dr Rachel Moseley, they found that about half of pup-play participants scored above the autism-quotient threshold indicating possible autistic traits, far higher than population norms. The researchers stress they are not diagnosing autism; rather they are examining possible associations that may reflect comfort with belonging, rule-bound play, and meaningful social structure within kink spaces. They are now conducting in-depth interviews to understand why neurodivergent people might be drawn to pup play and what these dynamics mean for inclusive communities.

"In our sample, 1 in 2 participants scored above 65 on the autism quotient, which is hugely different from 1 in 44 in the general population. This is a striking pattern we want to understand better." - Dr Liam Wignnell

Emotional and Therapeutic Dimensions

Clinical psychologist Dr Kate Marks shares her experiences with clients who engage in kink and BDSM. She highlights how kink communities often demonstrate high levels of consent education, aftercare, and trauma-informed practices, sometimes surpassing mainstream clinical environments in these respects. Marks discusses the potential therapeutic benefits when scenes are designed safely and with clear boundaries, ritual, and parts work. She describes intentional or conscious kink as a thoughtful approach where individuals deliberately design experiences that address emotional or embodied trauma in supportive contexts. She also contemplates the barriers to therapy within the NHS and the role sex workers and sex-positive practitioners can play in providing safe, informed care for people exploring kink.

"If these things are done really safely, there can be something you can access and shift within the body, and linking embodiment with trauma can be a powerful path for some people." - Dr Kate Marks

"There are misunderstandings about kink, but when done safely with aftercare and consent, it can be a meaningful part of relationship and personal growth." - Dr Kate Marks

Clinical Practice, Stigma, and Future Directions

The conversation shifts to clinicians, stigma, and systemic barriers. Marks argues that clinicians should cultivate comfort with sexual topics, including kink, to better support clients. She discusses how some kink clients may seek out empowered or conscious kink, or even therapeutic kink, as a way to explore parts of themselves in a controlled, ritualized environment. The discussion also touches on the role of sex workers and the need for better integration of sex-work professionals in providing trauma-informed care while avoiding the pathologization of kink. The host and guests reflect on the broader cultural shift toward sex positivity and the potential for mainstream health services to engage with kink more openly, while acknowledging ongoing stigma and safety concerns.

"Clinical psychologists need to become more comfortable with these conversations and consider referring clients to empowered sex workers who can provide trauma-informed, ethically guided support when appropriate." - Dr Kate Marks

Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode closes with a synthesis of the psychology of kink: consent, community, authenticity, and potential therapeutic value, tempered by the realities of risk, stigma, and the need for clinician education. The presenters emphasize that kink communities can offer validation and belonging for people who feel different from mainstream norms, while also urging researchers and clinicians to continue exploring biological, social, and emotional aspects of kink in rigorous, non-pathologizing ways.

"The communities themselves can offer belonging and empowerment when they are safe, consent-focused, and trauma-informed, which is important for clinicians to understand and integrate into practice." - Kate Marks