SAM

Psychology of BDSM

Psychology
of BDSM

Psychology
gateway

(all psychology articles)

Basics

Penetration

Engagement

Consent

Communication

Power

Authority

Control

Trust

Fetish

Defence mechanisms

Mapping motivations to activities

Roles
Top		Bottom
Dominant		Submissive
Master		Slave
Trainer		Trainee
Owner		Property
Mistress
Switch
SAM

Motivations (all motivation articles)

Ecstasy

Subspace

Catharsis

Surrender

Experiencing power

Hotter sex

Recreation

Expiation of guilt

Intimacy and bonding

Physiological outcomes

Chemical high

Unhealthy motivations

Just a bit of fun (not)

Pain (not)

Play versus "deep play" versus work

Transformation of pain into pleasure

The joy of being a top or dominant

SAM is an acronym for "Smart-assed Masochist". This is typically someone who claims to be a bottom or submissive, but who is usually looking to provoke or manipulate a top or dominant into performing some desired type of scene with them, such to tie them up or to flog them.

Characteristics of a SAM include:

• Smart-talking,
• Disobedient,
• Sarcastic, or
• Bad or inappropriate behaviour (especially in front of others).

Key ideas associated with a SAM:

• Provocative,
• Manipulative.

Being a SAM isn't necessarily a bad thing, as long as it is an open and honest game with the target top or dominant.

See also

• Topping from the bottom