الفهرس 
Psychopathology and Theories of SadomasochismOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Sadomasochism (SM) is the most common and the most significant of all the sexual perversions.
Various explanations of the etiology of sadomasochism have been proposed and revised over the years, although little new theorizing has been evident in recent years. Theories have been advanced from psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and physiological perspectives, but little research has validated or confirmed those theories.
Assessment of sadomasochism is challenging, full assessment should include diagnostic assessment, risk assessment, physiological assessment, psychological assessment, assessment of treatment, assessment from crime scene data, and self report assessment.
The ultimate goal of sexual offender treatment is protecting the public through preventing recurrence of sexually aggressive behavior. To achieve this, various treatment models have been posited over the years, with psychopharmacological and cognitive-behavioral interventions demonstrating the greatest promise.
Treatment programs, whether medically, behaviorally, or cognitively based, target those factors that, when changed, reduce the possibility of future offending. With the paraphilias in general and sadomasochism in particular, deviant sexual fantasy, urges, and behaviors must be targeted, and these goals are fundamental to each of these treatment approach.
The more outspoken practitioners of sadomasochistic activities assert that society as a whole needs to accept their lifestyle and become more aware that it involves consensual sexual “play” (as they see it). However, the current legal mainstream clearly sees the potential for serious physical harm to occur in sadomasochistic situations; hence the perceived need to override or limit the usual freedoms of sexual expression and right to privacy.
Sadomasochism is a complex phenomenon, and much still remains to be learned a bout their nature, etiology, and management. Some cases appear to be variants of ”normal” sexual behavior, while others, because of their potential for serious harm, reasonably justify continued therapeutic concern. The behavior also represents a challenge for sex educators.