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Masochism

A sexual abberation or perversion in which the subject desires a position of subjection before attaining sexual gratification.

In 'ideal masochism', the person merely thinks of being another's slave, but does not enact the scenes.

Automasochism: Self-torture for sexual arousal. Also known as autosadism.

Feminine masochism: A psychoanalytic term for a pattern of passivity and receptivity, which Sigmund Freudconsidered characteristic of the feminine nature. The term also refers to a male who seeks to satisfy a need to be punished by fantasizing he is suffering the pains of birthbirth or being forced into prostitution.

Mental masochism: A form of masochism in which the individual seeks t be punished mentally and emotionally rather than physically.

Moral masochism: A psychoanalytic term for an unconscious need to be punished by an authority figure representing the father.

Also see: masochistic fantasies, sadism, sadomasochism

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