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Masochistic behaviors have always been perplexing to analysts (Brenner, 1959). They appear to violate a basis tenet of analytic theory, the pleasure principle (Freud, 1920), It is very difficult to comprehend why someone would, over and over and over again, engage in behaviors that are self injurious and not in their own best interest.
The term masochism has been used to describe a multitude of behaviors. I refer the interested reader to an excellent recent report (Maelson, 1984) that describes the many controversies surrounding the use of this term. In Maelson's view the most fundamental unresolved question about masochism is whether or not these behaviors are utilized strictly to satisfy libidinal needs. He points out that over the years the concept of masochism has been considerably broadened, and as it is now generally used the term does include many behaviors beyond those that serve only libidinal needs. This sort of theoretical discussion, important though it is, exceeds the scope of this clinical presentation and will not be specifically addressed.
Classically, masochism has been described as encompassing three distinct forms (Freud, 1924). The first is erotogenic masochism in which sexual gratification is dependent upon the presence of some sort of physically painful stimulus. This is certainly the most dramatic form of masochism. The second is feminine masochism. This occurs in males who obtain libidinal gratification from sexual submission to powerful masculine figures. This usually occurs in fantasy. These behaviors are considered “feminine” because submission and the experience