Exploring the Evolutionary-Biological Basis of Mating Strategies in Submissive Women: A Comparative Study in Three Subgroups of BDSM Sex Practitioners

Abstract

ABSTRACT An evolutionary-biological framework may predict strengthened partners’ cohesion resulting from certain mating strategies. We compared interpersonal equality in a relationship, emotional (life scale) submissiveness toward other people (LS), and future partnership expectations in three groups of BDSM women. The first group experienced submission only during sexual activities (PLAY). The second group also felt submissive in the relationship (REL). The last group was sexually aroused by both submission and dominance (SWITCH). When comparing LS and future partnership expectations, REL scored higher, while PLAY did not differ from SWITCH. Therefore, we summed PLAY+SWITCH and compared them to REL. REL, who expected a hierarchical interpersonal difference in the relationship, wanted to invest more into the relationship, would have missed the partner more, and were more likely to reject single sexual encounters, short, or parallel relationships than PLAY+SWITCH. Our findings suggest a mating strategy that involves stronger rejection of short-term relationships and higher investments into the relationships. Women of the REL group were also more submissive toward other people, so we consider this subgroup highly vulnerable to discrimination. Furthermore, their effort to maintain the relationship can make them vulnerable to violent partners.