Sexual masochism involves arousal from receiving pain, humiliation, or submission, while sadism derives pleasure from inflicting it; their overlap, known as sadomasochism (S&M), occurs when individuals switch roles or enjoy both dynamically within consensual scenes.[neupsykey +1] Psychological Dynamics • Role fluidity: Many engage in “switching,” deriving satisfaction from both dominant (sadistic) and submissive (masochistic) positions, blurring lines in BDSM contexts.[kynk101 +1] • Shared roots: Both stem from paraphilic disorders in DSM-5, often linked to power exchange, where aggression and vulnerability fuel arousal; Kernberg notes sadomasochistic traits underpin many perversions.[neupsykey] • Paraphilic coercive elements: Overlap intensifies in non-consensual fantasies, akin to somnophilia, prioritizing control via incapacitation over pure pain.[wikipedia] Clinical and Legal Notes Overlap becomes disordered if causing distress or harm; consensual S&M is legal if safe, but non-consensual acts (e.g., drugging) violate assault laws regardless of motivation. Therapy addresses underlying trauma or compulsion.