Sadomasochism: A Defense Against Object Loss

Ever since Freud posed the problem of masochism as only an apparent violation of the pleasure principle, the function of masochism in psychic life has eluded precise definition. This paper deals with one portion of this issue, namely, the function of sadomasochism; its thesis is that sadomasochism is a type of object relationship that defends against frank object loss.

Although the earlier psychoanalytic literature3, 6, 9 tended to interpret masochism predominantly as a defense against aggression at the Oedipal level, close reading of the case examples points to frequent loss—actual and threatened—of the primary objects during the pregenital period.

Sadomasochism was understood by Freud7 and confirmed since 5, 12, 13 as two facets of a single dynamic. Through the medium of shifting and complementary identifications, the nominal sadist and the ostensible masochist are able to play out both both sides of the pain-inducing / pain-suffering object relationship.

The conjoint treatment of couples in a sadomasochistic bond illumes one function of such a relationship, perhaps its salient one: namely, a defense against object loss.

Observing the mutual trading of blows, the provoking of punishment, and the introduction of guilt, two features can be discerned: the process is lawful and it is limited. It is conducted under strict rules and both partners know precisely what the “bursting point” is of their object ties.

One important rule to which both partners subscribe is that wishes for affection signify weakness or a craven dependence, and