What is Masochism? What is Observed in Masochistic Individuals?

What is Masochism? What is Observed in Masochistic Individuals?

Masochism is a psychiatric problem that victimizes both oneself and others to a certain extent. There can be many different reasons behind the actions of masochistic people with this disorder. In addition, the desire to harm oneself can also be seen in different ways. Therefore, the symptoms of this disorder, which manifests itself in various clinical cases, should be well understood and the appropriate treatment method should be determined. For this, it is very important to make a clear distinction between the types of masochism . By accurately identifying the masochistic person and the factors behind it, a treatment plan can be followed for the individual.

Masochist is the name given to individuals who enjoy inflicting mental and physical pain on themselves. Masochism is a type of disorder in which a person consciously harms himself/herself and thus causes psychological trauma. This disorder is known as trauma at a young age. Traumatic experiences that occur during childhood, if neglected and abused by parents, create differences in the person's personality for the future. The more difficult and painful the traumatic events become for the child, the more mental problems the person may experience.

What are the Types of Masochism?

According to studies, men who have been traumatized and faced with this are more likely to develop an instinct to attack and acquire a sadistic personality. Compared to men, women are more likely to take on the role of victim in this cycle and show a tendency towards masochistic behavior. However, this is a phenomenon that varies according to individual character development and the traumas involved. For example, people of the same sex who have experienced similar traumas may also exhibit various behavioral disorders. Therefore, different subtypes of masochistic behavior are the subject of research;

Masochists with a developed sense of possessiveness: Masochists with a predominant sense of possessiveness are generally people who constantly compromise themselves. They cannot easily succeed in separating from the love that occurs during human relations. They can make people who give up on them feel cruel and cruel to people who give up on them because they see them as a highly compromising and indispensable person.

Benevolent masochists: These people have a growing interest in pleasure and pain. This condition develops due to the increase of a hormone called endorphin in the brain in the face of physical harm. Endorphin hormone gives happiness to the individual and causes similar behaviors to become more impressive. Therefore, the individual continues the same behaviors even though he/she knows that he/she will be harmed. Optimistic masochists have a special interest in very hot and spicy foods and risky sports.

Self-defeating masochists: This type accepts defeat without thinking about the possibility of success. They perceive events in different ways and interpret even good results in a pessimistic way. When people in this type develop intense interest in other people, they may feel inadequate on an intense level.

Virtuous masochists: This is defined as histrionic personality disorder and is a type in which masochism is the same as being the center of attention. These types may feel a sense of pleasure due to the sacrifices they make. They see themselves as superior to the other person and have developed the feeling that they can succeed in any situation. They accept patience and suffering in all difficult situations and exaggerate this situation. They describe this behavior as a virtuous state.

What are the Symptoms of Masochism?

Masochism personality disorder is a health problem that people take for granted. The fact that masochistic people manifest themselves with various character types can also lead to this condition. For example, a person may suddenly decide to rule while showing masochistic behaviors. Masochistic individuals have mental and physical problems due to instinctual problems they experienced during childhood. Thus, when faced with traumatic events, they may acquire masochistic character. The characteristics of masochistic character, which can be seen in varying forms, are as follows;

  • Acts of torture
  • Avoiding the help of other people
  • Exhibiting bad attitudes despite being successful
  • Choosing to give up and fail easily, even when success goals are set
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Tendency to harm oneself mentally and physically
  • They think they don't deserve to be happy
  • Lack of trust in the environment
  • Being happy to suffer, either by oneself or by others
  • Fear of abandonment
  • Forgetting good events and having bad thoughts

Masochists accept the pain inflicted on them. Thus, they believe that they have paid the price and a feeling of relief arises. They feel happy with the endorphin hormone secreted during the sensation of pain.

What are the Causes of Masochism?

The cause of masochism is not clearly known, but the wrong actions of family members and people around them play an important role. One of the most important causes of masochism is traumatic events that occur in childhood. Important factors in the formation of masochism are as follows;

Wrong family behaviors: Children who are constantly punished and rewarded by their parents during childhood may experience a great trauma and may be predisposed to masochism. This may create a misconception in the child and cause a negative subconscious. The successive system of punishment and reward may lead the child to feel that something good will happen after any negative event, and therefore to engage in mentally and physically painful actions.

Psychological traumas experienced: Psychological traumas can lead to self-punishment. Masochism can be triggered in cases of separation from a relative, abuse and restless families.

Instinctual problems: Traumatic situations can cause severe feelings of guilt. These individuals may punish themselves for the pain and remorse they have experienced. They see both physical and psychological suffering as a price and feel relief afterwards.

Environmental factors: Factors such as being in constant loneliness during the developmental stage, lack of adequate attention and gaining attention only in situations of suffering can be effective in the development of masochism. Masochism can also develop in cases where the person's childhood is ignored, resulting in the person taking care of himself/herself at a very early stage.

How is masochism treated?

In masochism, differences can be observed in the treatment phase in line with the needs of the patient and the process of the disorder. We can list the preferred methods for the treatment of masochism as follows;

Psychotherapy: During the therapy, the principle of confronting the traumas instead of being afraid of the traumas that occur when the specialist and the patient talk together and identify the problems is preferred. The duration of the session may vary depending on the health status of the person. If deemed necessary by the specialist, drug treatment is started. In this way, it contributes to the development of the function of the sick individual to combat problems mentally and physically.

Drug treatment: In particular, factors are determined by listening to the person's condition and past traumas. If the specialist deems it necessary, medication can be started. To support the sessions, support can be received in the use of medications called antipsychotics. These medications support the acquisition of the necessary thoughts instead of thinking about the traumas experienced by the individual. The medication is used only for as long as necessary. After the person gains the necessary competence and equipment, he/she can terminate the use of medication with the advice of the specialist and continue his/her daily life with routine physician follow-up.

The treatments for masochism must be planned by a specialized psychiatrist. You should follow the psychiatrist's recommendations and use the medication on time and appropriately. Repeating the practices taught in treatment sessions contributes to the healing phase. If you have symptoms of masochism, you can get help from a specialist physician as soon as possible.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At19 January 2023
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