Leptosadism is a state of sexual arousal individuals experience while inflicting mild pain upon another person. Leptosadists often act out on fantasies involving the infliction of both mental and physical pain on consensual or non-consensual partners by various methods. Leptosadism should not be confused with sadism. Leptosadists do not take pleasure from inflicting extreme pain or from such acts as intense torture or murder.
The term leptosadism is considered to be outdated although it is still used in some social circles.
More About Leptosadism
Forensic classifications identify leptosadists as either Class I or Class II sadists. Class I sadists simply fantasize about mildly sadistic acts. Class II sadists act on their fantasies with consenting partners. They may do this during BDSM scenes. It may involve spanking, whipping, humiliation, and mild torture.
Leptosadism is not considered genetically inherent. Instead, it is triggered by traumatic events during childhood. These events may be psychological or physical, or both. For example, rape, sexual harassment and various forms of mental or physical abuse may trigger leptosadism during the teenage years or early adulthood.
Leptosadists typically experience recurrent urges, fantasies, and obsessive sexual interest in inflicting pain. These fantasies often provide a feeling of self-gratification for leptosadists. People don’t always seek out treatment for this condition unless it affects their professional or personal lives in one way or the other. In most cases, leptosadists learn how to accept their condition and gratify themselves by indulging their fantasies with consensual partners. However, in cases where leptosadism interferes with daily life, professional help may be sought. Treatment for leptosadism may include behavioral therapy, hypnosis, psychoanalysis, and cognitive therapy. More extreme cases bordering on sadism may need drug therapy.
