III. An Analysis of the Overlap Between BDSM and Gaming: An Empirical Study on Ludological Flow Experiences and Escapism

Abstract

BDSM and gaming have so far always been studied separately, although both fields share key commonalities: role-playing, rule structures, immersion, escapism and altered states of consciousness. The present study empirically investigates whether individuals who both play video games and practise BDSM report similar patterns of experience and coping in both areas. A dataset of participants who could be categorised into both domains (N = 623) was analysed. Using descriptive frequency analyses and Bravais-Pearson correlations, the study examined, amongst other things, flow experiences, sub- and domspace, loss of track of time, blocking out everyday worries, secrecy, role preferences and post-immersive lows. The results reveal several correlations between gaming-related and BDSM-related items. Individuals who experience a strong sense of flow whilst gaming also tend to report entering sub- or domspace more easily. Similarly, escapist motives and the loss of a sense of time correlate across both domains. At the same time, clear differences emerge: despite increasing social acceptance, BDSM is kept more secret, and aftercare is considered significantly more important in this context than comparable forms of recovery following gaming. The findings suggest similar psychological functions in both practices, without implying identical personality structures or neurobiological mechanisms.