Abstract
Despite assumed contradictions, there is a long history of individuals with chronic pain engaging in sadomasochism, yet limited research on how chronic and consensual pain interact. This thesis aims to determine what benefits these individuals find in BDSM spaces and play. Through distributing an anonymous, open-eneded survey to eighty-seven participants, this study used thematic analysis to uncover recurring motivations, benefits, and risks discussed by participants. The findings indicate that the main benefits can be seen in intimacy and connectedness, bodymind relief and groundedness, positive shifts in sense of self, and providing a sense of control.