Study: Spank Together, Stay Together

(CBS)  Despite a spike in stress levels, couples who engage in sadomasochistic activities (S&M), may end up strengthening their relationship, according to a new study published in the magazine New Scientist this week.

Two separate studies, one from Northern Illinois University and one from the University of Pisa in Italy, researched hormone levels at S&M parties.

In the NIU study, those receiving stimulation got a boost in their levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The Pisa study showed a rise in testosterone among women who took part in S&M activities, which include spanking, bondage and flogging.

When the activities go well and are enjoyable, couples told researchers they felt closer to each other. However, the opposite was true of negative experiences with S&M.

"When sexual intercourse is consensual it is not stressful - even if it is extreme sex," Donatella Marazziti of the University of Pisa said.

[cheetah-man7]

And folks condemn gay marriage? Yeah, right...... keep trying!

[barbaram99]

This is sick. I would not put up with it.

[Oliver_Closehoff]

I believe this story to be true. It even works to some degree with animals. It has brought me and my monkey closer together. Everytime I spank it we both get an endorphin rush.

[StarThrower50]

Spanking for adults and spanking for children are NOT the same thing! Not even close! The primary difference is CONSENSUAL. In S&M "play", activities are AGREED UPON by the parties involved. Although I will admit that the roots of my own interest in BDSM date back to my childhood experiences with corporal punishment, it is NOT the same thing now that it was then.

One thing that wasn't mentioned in this article that participants in S&M know, is that painful events such as spanking (etc.) cause the release of endorphins, those potent brain hormones that ease pain when we are injured. Delivered slowly, and often interspersed with lavish amounts of sensual activities and displays of caring, the recipient's (and often the deliverer's as well) brain is flooded with them, resulting in a sustained "high" better and more beneficial than alcohol and drugs can provide.

You do have to go into the activities in the right mind-set though, and CONSENT and TRUST are paramount. S&M partners agree ahead of time on what the limits of their play will be and (if they're wise) establish a "safe word" that means the limits have been reached and all play MUST stop. If you can't trust that a partner will honor these limits, you shouldn't be participating with the person.

This is truly one of those things that should be approached with "if you haven't tried it, don't knock it". It's definitely not for everyone, but can be a surprising path to couples bonding and stress relief. If you have the opportunity, and you can push back the stereotypical image of abuse (it isn't) I recommend you take it slowly and TRY IT. You might just like it. :-)

[ubrew12]

Finally... an acceptable explanation for rampant American Puritanism.

American Dudes! Getting yourself a*s-whipped isn't the only way to sexual satisfaction!!

[debinok1]

Ok, so spanking reduces stress. Teens are committing suicide because they have too much stress. Maybe they should have been spanked more as children and they wouldn't be so stressed and wouldn't be committing suicide. Problem solved.

[brainteaser2]

Once again profound "research" carried out because of the need to do research nothing else. If spanking is so wonderful then it can and should be used on our children. It would create such bonding and closeness.

[hypnotoad72]

Uh, okay...

Does this one get the "Strangest article of the year" award?

And can we spank the author of that article?

[cs4466]

What did Mary say when Jesus spanked her?

Please sir, may I have another.
Posted by notmudroseiii

Naw... she rode his ass all the way to Bethlehem.
Posted by iam4honesty at 2:43 PM : Mar 31, 2009

LOL!

Dang. Got Pepsi up my nose.

[iam4honesty]

What did Mary say when Jesus spanked her?

Please sir, may I have another.
Posted by notmudroseiii

Naw... she rode his ass all the way to Bethlehem.