The term sadism in its classic and clinical sense refers to the sexual pleasure and gratification derived from inflicting pain and suffering on another person. The word sadism originally comes from the name of the French philosopher and writer the Marquis de Sade who authored several sadistic novels.

The tendency towards sadistic behavior normally begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It may start with obsessive thoughts and sexual fantasies coupled with the desire to inflict physical or psychological torment or humiliation on another. It tends to be chronic in nature and usually increases in severity over time.

Freud considered sadism to be almost inseparable from its counterpart, masochism, the desire to be controlled and dominated by another. He felt that the two were sides of the same coin and believed that both desires often coexisted within the same person.

The psychological basis of sadism centers on the desire to dominate and control. This desire is more often than not acted out in a sexual context and varies in the degree of violence from mere role-play to actual restraining, bondage, beating and torturing.

Sadistic behavior in men is thought to be the result of a distortion of the aggressive component of the male sexual instinct and sadistic acts are known to cause heightened levels of the male hormone, testosterone. Endorphins also play a part in the biology of sadism. The infliction of pain on others releases the same "feelgood" chemicals that are released during any intense exercise session.

There is no known blanket cause for sadistic behavior. Treatment is highly individualized and must include psychotherapy as well as cognitive and behavioral therapies. Hormonal therapy may be successful in reducing levels of aggression.

Sources: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (Public Domain)
 

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