Spanking 'brings couples together' (Scientific Study - Seriously!)

New Scientist ^ | 30 March 2009 | Linda Geddes

[GOPGuide]

SPANKING is stressful at first, but it could bring consenting couples closer together. That's the implication of two studies of hormonal changes associated with sadomasochistic (S&M) activities including spanking, bondage and flogging.

Brad Sagarin at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and colleagues measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol in 13 men and women at an S&M party in Arizona, before, during and after participating in activities. During S&M scenes, cortisol rose significantly in those receiving stimulation, but dropped back to normal within 40 minutes if the scene went well. There was no change in those inflicting the activity.

At an S&M event in Colorado, testosterone was measured in 45 men and women. It increased significantly in receiving women only. Donatella Marazziti of the University of Pisa, Italy, says the boost may help women cope with the aggressive nature of S&M activities, or that it could be another sign of stress. In both studies, couples who said the party went well also reported increases in relationship closeness (Archives of Sexual Behavior, DOI: 10.1007/s10508-008-9374-5).

It's important to note that levels of both hormones dropped back down in couples who enjoyed the experience, Marazziti says. "When sexual intercourse is consensual it is not stressful - even if it is extreme sex."

Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, UK, adds that almost any shared activity is likely to promote interpersonal closeness. "It doesn't have to be tying up your partner or placing clamps on their nipples, it could be something as simple as cooking a meal together or even doing the housework as a duo," he says.

[pandoraou812]

Keep a ace bandage handy & some ice next time & you will be fine.

[SeaHawkFan]

I don’t have any friends that wouldn’t flip out if their man tried to spank them. I can see lots of their husbands & mine walking hurt or with black eyes. Perhaps both.

From what I have read, not many women like to be spanked, unless it is just light and playful; and then only some.

Light restraints are a whole different matter. Most women apparently enjoy it or the thought of it.

[gimme1ibertee]

thank you sir, may I have another?

Beat me (to it!LOL)!

[gimme1ibertee]

I wonder if the gay ABC journalist who was murdered by an underaged teen he hired on Craigslist would agree.

Indeed.

[Hegemony Cricket]

My motto has always been “Come early - beat the crowd...” :-)

[GOP Poet]

Exactly. My cortisol levels have been sky high since Obama came into office and they aren’t showing much sign or going back down.

[gimme1ibertee]

Light restraints are a whole different matter.

Not for this lady...I want my hands free and busy! LOLOL :P

[gimme1ibertee]

LOLOL!!!

[a fool in paradise]

Barry White didn’t write any Swedish Black Metal.

(but he DID write songs for the Banana Splits)

[AppyPappy]

So beating your spouse can actually be good!

[DJ Frisat]

"Spanking kids, although stressful, brings couples together?"

Did you intentionally misquote this in order to make some kind of point?

[pandoraou812]

Spanking would be a big turn off for me. My mother wouldn't use her hand but a hair brush. We would get hit with the wooden side & then the bristles. It hurt like h-ll & I don't think I would find it enjoyable even if was light & playful. I would be too busy thinking of my mom & that would not be a good thing. I wouldn't trust anyone to restrain me either. If I didn't like it I would have a panic attack. I guess I am boring.

[calex59]

Not for this lady...I want my hands free and busy! LOLOL

My kind of Gal! I am getting old, been around a few years and I have only known one woman who was in to the tying down thing and then she wanted it to be me being tied, no thanks to that! I see no fun in having my mate tied down!

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

SPANKING...PING!!!

[Malacoda]

Is this one of those “Christian Domestic Discipline” things?

[tet68]

It’s not extreme unless it involves base jumping.

It’s not extreme unless it involves bungee cords.

[Slings and Arrows]

Monkeys don't like spanking. Please think of the monkeys.

---

[Slings and Arrows]

At an S&M event in Colorado, testosterone was measured in 45 men and women.

Good thing this study didn't use a biased sample, you betcha.

[Eaker]

Okay!

NOW we know why gunner beats his midget Winkey!

(I notice Larry got to the thread early too)