Chinese scientists Siyang Luo from Sun Yat-sen university and Xiao Zhang from Jinan University authored the study named Embodiment and Humiliation Moderation of Neural Responses to Others' Suffering in Female Submissive BDSM Practitioners. It's fair to say that any article that's all about the use of ball gags is an absolute mouthful.
26 female participants all who were confirmed to be submissives aged between 18-30 were shown 48 images of females with neutral or painful facial expression. One third of the photos shown were in a sexually sadistic context, such as being spanked or whipped. They were shown each photo twice in random order, one time whilst wearing a ball gag and another time without. They then decided whether the photo connoted a neutral or painful expression whilst wearing a ball gag.
The belief going into the study was that a ball gag would affect the submissives response to pain imagery when wearing a ball gag by inhibiting the neural response. The results showed exactly that and certain neural responses towards the images were inhibited. Image Source: pixabay.com
What does inhibiting neural responses to certain imagery actually mean? An inhibited neural response was created by the feeling of humiliation one experiences when their facial movement is restricted by a ball gag. This humiliation in turn meant that the wearer would not empathise with the person in the image.
"This study provides the first evidence that the transient treatment during BDSM practices affects individuals' emotional states/behavioral tendencies."
What does this tell us about BDSM? This gives a bit of indication as to why people enjoy wearing ball gags during sex and if BDSM is your thing, can help explain your own desires. If our response to pain is inhibited, our bodies can better focus on all the extra sensual stimulation that comes with BDSM play!
The scientists finished by saying "Future research should aim to further clarify whether and how various activities (e.g., bondage and roleplaying) during BDSM practices shape the perceptions of others' feelings in individuals who play different roles during BDSM practice." Let's hope this is the case!
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