The Science of BDSM research team is collaborating on
a new study with Primal
Edgewalkers, a group that practices body-based
rituals such as hook pulls, hook suspensions, firewalks, sweat lodges, and
more. I have recently returned from my
second Edgewalkers event. Before
attending my first event, I asked the organizers what the primary reason for
people attending was. I was surprised at
the answer I received—community and bonding. But it didn’t take me long to
realize that this was indeed the case.
Over both weekends, I observed catharsis, rejuvenation, and a purging of
pent up emotions. Throughout all of this, I saw strong bonds created with those
who were new to the community and strong bonds reaffirmed with those who have
attended before.
In past studies, our research team found evidence of
altered states of consciousness, such as flow and transient hypofrontality,
during BDSM scenes and hook pulls (you can read the published articles here
and here). Our new study is designed to test whether the
same types of altered states of consciousness can be found across various body-based
rituals. To this end, we plan to measure
a range of physiological and psychological variables on ritual participants,
those who are there in a supportive role, observers, and event leaders. The first round of data collection will take
place in Vancouver, British Colombia, this summer. We are excited about the opportunity to expand
current knowledge about altered states of consciousness and body-based rituals,
and we can’t wait to begin our work with Edgewalkers! - Jen
A
note from the head of the Science of BDSM Research Team: Funding for research
on alternative sexuality and alternative spiritual practices is difficult to
obtain through the usual funding channels such as federal granting agencies,
and we are very grateful to the organizations and individuals whose generous contributions
have made this research possible. For the current study, travel to the field
site was made possible by a grant from Butchmanns,
Inc.
People
often ask us how they can contribute to our research. We are currently seeking sponsors who would
like to help fund another aspect of the Edgewalkers study: our analysis of the
hormones cortisol and oxytocin.
Cortisol,
a hormone associated with physiological stress, provided our first clues
regarding altered states of consciousness in our studies of BDSM scenes and
hook pulls. Starting with this study, we will also analyze changes in
oxytocin. Colloquially known as the love
hormone, oxytocin helps to facilitate bonding and feelings of closeness. We
want to see if changes in oxytocin levels are associated with the increases in bonding
sometimes produced by these rituals. Cortisol and oxytocin analyses for the Vancouver
Edgewalkers study will cost approximately $2500 (with the exact cost based on
the number of participants).
If
you would like to help sponsor this study, please visit our donate
page for
information on how to give a tax-free donation. - Brad
