Genetic tendencies?

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

Genetic tendencies?

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> General BDSM Discussion >> Genetic tendencies?

Page: [1]

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Genetic tendencies? - 4/11/2011 9:10:02 AM

Asherscorp1

Posts: 143
Joined: 3/6/2011
Status: offline

Is anyone aware of any studies into whether or not being in this lifestyle might be influenced by your genetics? I have always been masochistic. I remember experimenting with pain when I was 3 years old. I have also always been intensely submissive. Anyway, to the point, my grandmother, my mother and my little sister share these traits and have been involved or aware of the lifestyle to one point or another. My mom was a sub to her ex-husband for quite a few years, my grandmother "gave it all up" when she "found god" and my little sister is too young to really engage in anything but is aware of this lifestyle and identifies herself as submissive. All three also have masochistic characteristics. We were all raised in vastly different circumstances, I was adopted when I was three so that discounts any connection between simply being exposed to it or raised in a family where it is present. I have to believe that there is some sort of genetic trait at work here but I would love to see if there are documented studies and just hear other's thoughts on this.

_____________________________

"The path to slavery is so narrow that two cannot walk upon it at the same time, hence why the slave must crawl behind." -- Unknown

Post #: 1

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/11/2011 9:13:35 AM

IrishMist

Posts: 7480
Joined: 11/17/2005
Status: offline

Can't help you with the 'studies' part,though I am sure that some time in the past/present there have been some that have been done.

Personally, I can't see why it would matter one way or the other? You are who you are; why do you need scientific fact put together by a bunch of so called experts to confirm?

_____________________________

If I said something to offend you, please tell me what it was so that I can say it again later.

(in reply to Asherscorp1)

Post #: 2

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/11/2011 9:23:20 AM

Palliata

Posts: 371
Joined: 8/9/2010
Status: offline

I don't have links, but I have read multiple neurological studies that show that there is a biological component to masochism both at the level of the nerves themselves and in the brain. As to D/s, that i haven't read anything about. I expect if you searched the psych journals you would find something on it given that BDSM is still considered a mental illness. I'm tempted to do it myself but I'm bogged down with work right now so I just don't have the time.

_____________________________

I speak not of The Way, but only My Way. Think it not an indictment of Your Way.

I'm male. I know it sounds female. Work with me.

(in reply to IrishMist)

Post #: 3

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/11/2011 12:11:39 PM

LaTigresse

Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline

I haven't a clue about any formal studies but I would be shocked if there was ANY sort of genetic predisposition.

All I have to do is look at my own genetic pool to know.......the things we have in common genetically have nothing to do with me being a bossy sadist.

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to Asherscorp1)

Post #: 4

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/11/2011 12:15:52 PM

leadership527

Posts: 5026
Joined: 6/2/2008
Status: offline

I'm not aware of any studies, but I'd feel confident predicting that the truth is, as always with us humans, some nature and some nurture.

_____________________________

~Jeff

I didn't so much "enslave" Carol as I did "enlove" her. - Me
I want a joyous, loving, respectful relationship where the male is in charge and deserves to be. - DavanKael

(in reply to Asherscorp1)

Post #: 5

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/11/2011 3:17:23 PM

littlewonder

Posts: 15659
Status: offline

don't know of any studies either but the likelihood of it being genetic I think are slim.

I know personally that none of my family are like me in any single way at all. I'm as different as night and day from my sisters and brother.

_____________________________

Nothing has changed
Everything has changed

(in reply to leadership527)

Post #: 6

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/11/2011 3:37:21 PM

ResidentSadist

Posts: 12580
Joined: 2/11/2007
From: a mean old Daddy, but I like you - Joni Mitchell
Status: offline

I don't have a specific study for you.

With people, most of your personality development is a result of your environment. A dominant parent model would be handed down and affect how you perceive yourself. Inheriting personality traits that way certainly isn't genetic.

On the other hand, in nature we can see dominance in prenatal sharks. If you call cannibalizing your brothers and sisters in the womb aggressive dominant behavior that is. I imagine there isn't a lot of parental influence in the womb so it would seem that there is some aspect of personality development prior to birth. Whether it is genetic or a result of some other environmental factor in the womb, I have no idea. Sounds like a good topic for Google.

_____________________________

-=BDSM Book List=- Reading is Fundamental !!!
I give good thread.

(in reply to leadership527)

Post #: 7

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/12/2011 4:27:49 AM

bornbothsexes

Posts: 38
Joined: 5/1/2010
Status: offline

I am a hermaphrodite and a sub I would not say it s my look or my dressing I would say yes I was born to serve and am not shour what my dna xxy yyx has to do with it all

(in reply to ResidentSadist)

Post #: 8

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/12/2011 4:39:38 AM

DeviantlyD

Posts: 4375
Joined: 5/26/2007
From: Hawai`i
Status: offline

Again, no studies. However, I could see there being a genetic predisposition towards it.

(in reply to bornbothsexes)

Post #: 9

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/12/2011 7:55:56 AM

Kana

Posts: 6676
Joined: 10/24/2006
Status: offline

Yep, I'm gonna side with RS on this one-I see aspects which push folks towards BDSM as being far more environmentally generated than genetic- a nurture vs. nature perspective. As a matter of fact, I can't think of one reason to believe that BDSM is genetic.

_____________________________

"One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die. "
HST

(in reply to DeviantlyD)

Post #: 10

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/12/2011 2:20:42 PM

Muttling

Posts: 1612
Joined: 9/30/2007
Status: offline

I've never heard of any studies, but I could certainly see it having a genetic or learned component from the family.

This said, I don't know of anyone in my family who is remotely resembles being masochistic like I am. There are a few homosexuals in the family, but I've always been viewed as a bit odd for my response to pain. Like others, I've been this way as long as I can remember. On an entertaining note, my parents tell stories of not being able to give me spankings from a very young age because I usually giggled until the spanking got more harsh than they were comfortable with.

(in reply to Kana)

Post #: 11

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/12/2011 3:52:10 PM

sunshinemiss

Posts: 17673
Joined: 11/26/2007
Status: offline

Hi Asher -

Look under any of the studies about twins separated at birth (I use Google Scholar for initial research and then go to a uni library to get the actual studies). They show levels of preference as minute as showers versus baths. I haven't the time (or inclination frankly) to do the research, but there is enough that I've read over the years that there's no doubt in my mind that people experience the world in certain ways that are hard wired in them genetically. This is not to say that it can't be altered by environment.

There are plenty of studies that show that personality has a genetic BASE as does physical experience (the way we experience the world -primarily auditorally, visually, etc.) has a genetic base. Intellect and skills are genetically based - it's all genetically BASED. None of it is, however, destiny. Experience and environment can change how we experience the world - conditioning, our thoughts, biological experience (diseases and such).

While two people in the same gene pool will not necessarily have the SAME or even similar experiences, there are some ways that they can be similar. A person who enjoys the feel of pain and has linked it to sexuality may, for example, have a family member who gets the same rush from the physical exertion and pain that comes from being an athlete.

Just my two cents.
sunshine

< Message edited by sunshinemiss -- 4/12/2011 3:54:24 PM >

_____________________________

Yes, I am a wonton hussy... and still sweet as 3.14

(in reply to Muttling)

Post #: 12

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/13/2011 6:50:40 AM

Prinsexx

Posts: 4584
Joined: 8/27/2007
Status: offline

Here's at least 1,500 relevant articles:

http://www.scirus.com/srsapp/search?q=genetic+masochism&t=all&sort=0&g=s

_____________________________

Owner of asterion

Metawhore.... the sound of a metaphore when gagged
Free woman
Resident thread finisher
To my stalker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN2lP_7J7GI&feature=fvwrel

(in reply to sunshinemiss)

Post #: 13

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/13/2011 6:59:10 AM

ranja

Posts: 2111
Joined: 11/1/2007
Status: offline

The trouble with the genes is that you have them from both parents and chances are that if one is somewhat dominant the other will be somewhat submissive, but maybe i look upon the problem from too simple a perspective

(in reply to Asherscorp1)

Post #: 14

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/13/2011 7:03:53 AM

LaTigresse

Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kana

Yep, I'm gonna side with RS on this one-I see aspects which push folks towards BDSM as being far more environmentally generated than genetic- a nurture vs. nature perspective. As a matter of fact, I can't think of one reason to believe that BDSM is genetic.

I would even say that birth order would be more influential than genetics.

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to Kana)

Post #: 15

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/13/2011 7:21:39 AM

LafayetteLady

Posts: 7683
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Northern New Jersey
Status: offline

~FAST REPLY~

As an adopted child, I'm always fascinated by others searching for the genetic link to some behavior or talent (or more commonly the lack of).

Wanting to know genetic predisposition to certain diseases I can somewhat understand, although as a person with several ailments that have a genetic factor, I personally wouldn't want to know if there were any more illnesses to possibly look forward to.

It has been my experience that most people who search for genetic links (outside medical reasons) have a need to find a way to explain (as in find an excuse for) one thing or another.

I mean no disrespect to anyone but honestly if you are happy and content with who you are and your behavior isn't harmful to others, why can't you just be content without always searching for the "why?" It seems to me that often people get so caught up in the search for the "why" or analyzing their behavior, they miss out on the much more important joy of accepting themselves and enjoying their lives.

(in reply to LaTigresse)

Post #: 16

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/13/2011 7:28:39 AM

samboct

Posts: 1817
Joined: 1/17/2007
Status: offline

A general comment about the nature/nurture debate...

What we're discovering about genetics is that there are a lot of factors in the environment (often termed epigenetic) that affect which genes get turned on or off, i.e. expressed. One way to think about this is that the debate between "born that way" and "the world made him/her that way" is really arguing about relative contributions of genes and epigenetic factors. In short- both are critical to who and what you are.- it's like arguing which side of your brain is more important.

In terms of sexuality- it's clear that there are very strong genetic factors influencing human sexuality. Men are easier to study than women since their sexuality is less malleable, but there has now been a wealth of studies showing that homosexuality/heterosexuality does not arise solely on the basis of environment. See "Understanding Female Sexuality" published in the NY Times Magazine a few years back for a great article describing the differences in the sexes.

Unfortunately, what we've also discovered about genetics is that a lot of diseases and traits such as intelligence don't reside on single genes or even a few genes, but are quite diffuse. This is in contrast to simple traits such as hair color or eye color. (Skin color I think is also actually pretty complex.)

Enjoyment of sexual sadism/masochism is quite widespread and I have yet to see any clear dividing lines other than some folks admit that they like it and other folks don't. So I think the correct answer is like most human preferences such as a preference for chocolate versus vanilla, there are genes involved which dictate whether or not you enjoy some sexual sadism. However, like other human behaviors- there are a lot of genes involved and their interplay is extremely complex, so figuring out which genes are linked to this trait is going to be a very challenging task.

There- does that help?

Sam

(in reply to Prinsexx)

Post #: 17

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/13/2011 12:24:49 PM

ResidentSadist

Posts: 12580
Joined: 2/11/2007
From: a mean old Daddy, but I like you - Joni Mitchell
Status: offline

quote:

influential

quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kana

Yep, I'm gonna side with RS on this one-I see aspects which push folks towards BDSM as being far more environmentally generated than genetic- a nurture vs. nature perspective. As a matter of fact, I can't think of one reason to believe that BDSM is genetic.

I would even say that birth order would be more influential than genetics.

My personal experience with puppies was:
First one out
First one to walk***
First one on solid food . . . etc.

Still there is that nagging prenatal shark dominance in the womb concept. Was it 1st one out because of fetal development, womb environment or something else?

*** The puppy basket was in the hall closet. None had walked outside it yet. I was in the living room watching TV when a movie called “Day The Earth Stood Still” came on. The puppy crawled out and in to the living room. Sat beside me and watched the TV. It was the damnedest thing. When the movie ended and credits were rolling, the puppy left and went back in the basket. I kept that one . . . and it grew up to love watching movies (and eating popcorn) with us.

_____________________________

-=BDSM Book List=- Reading is Fundamental !!!
I give good thread.

(in reply to LaTigresse)

Post #: 18

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/14/2011 4:55:25 AM

DeviantlyD

Posts: 4375
Joined: 5/26/2007
From: Hawai`i
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: samboct

This is in contrast to simple traits such as hair color or eye color.

Not meaning to go off on a tangent here, but eye colour is no longer the simple thing it was once thought to be, genetically speaking.

Here is a link to a fairly good article on the subject, from the University of Washington in Seattle.
http://courses.washington.edu/framewks/10_11_06/The_Truth_about_Eye_Color.doc

As for the first born thing...I'm first born. I am far far away from having a dominant personality.

(in reply to samboct)

Post #: 19

RE: Genetic tendencies? - 4/14/2011 7:48:13 AM

Prinsexx

Posts: 4584
Joined: 8/27/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Asherscorp1
I have to believe that there is some sort of genetic trait at work here but I would love to see if there are documented studies and just hear other's thoughts on this.

Why do you HAVE to believe in genetic traits: far more interesting question to answer.
Quite frankly I am alarmed at the number of Examination Boards here that have switched from humanist perspectives to evolutionary explanations.
I would, anyway, prefer the term genetic potential rather than tendency becausee tendemcy suggest genetic determination (which is a rather dangerous argument in the homosexuality and criminality debates.
Please do some research on epigenetics as I think this is a more current and viable approach:
~The proposed definition reads: “an epigenetic trait is a stably inherited phenotype resulting from changes in a chromosome without alterations in the DNA sequence.” Shilatifard and colleagues have also proposed three categories of signals that operate in the establishment of a stably heritable epigenetic state. The first is a signal from the environment, the second is a responding signal in the cell that specifies the affected chromosomal location, and the third is a sustaining signal that perpetuates the chromatin change in subsequent generations~ from

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181447.htm

and (since I am a twin)

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TCY-520SMXV-1&_user=10&_coverDate=03%2F31%2F2011&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=gateway&_origin=gateway&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=2d13f5be1c2ce57f9ab15fecae7e185b&searchtype=a

also the philosophy thereof:

http://kolber.typepad.com/ethics_law_blog/2010/10/epigenetics-existentialism-and-mind-body-dualism.html

and for many other papers:

http://www.scirus.com/srsapp/search?q=epigenetics+and+personality&t=all&sort=0&g=s

_____________________________

Owner of asterion

Metawhore.... the sound of a metaphore when gagged
Free woman
Resident thread finisher
To my stalker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN2lP_7J7GI&feature=fvwrel

(in reply to Asherscorp1)

Post #: 20

Page: [1]

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> General BDSM Discussion >> Genetic tendencies?

Page: [1]

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.098