Spanking 'brings couples together' (Scientific Study - Seriously!)

New Scientist ^ | 30 March 2009 | Linda Geddes

[GOPGuide]

SPANKING is stressful at first, but it could bring consenting couples closer together. That's the implication of two studies of hormonal changes associated with sadomasochistic (S&M) activities including spanking, bondage and flogging.

Brad Sagarin at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and colleagues measured levels of the stress hormone cortisol in 13 men and women at an S&M party in Arizona, before, during and after participating in activities. During S&M scenes, cortisol rose significantly in those receiving stimulation, but dropped back to normal within 40 minutes if the scene went well. There was no change in those inflicting the activity.

At an S&M event in Colorado, testosterone was measured in 45 men and women. It increased significantly in receiving women only. Donatella Marazziti of the University of Pisa, Italy, says the boost may help women cope with the aggressive nature of S&M activities, or that it could be another sign of stress. In both studies, couples who said the party went well also reported increases in relationship closeness (Archives of Sexual Behavior, DOI: 10.1007/s10508-008-9374-5).

It's important to note that levels of both hormones dropped back down in couples who enjoyed the experience, Marazziti says. "When sexual intercourse is consensual it is not stressful - even if it is extreme sex."

Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, UK, adds that almost any shared activity is likely to promote interpersonal closeness. "It doesn't have to be tying up your partner or placing clamps on their nipples, it could be something as simple as cooking a meal together or even doing the housework as a duo," he says.

[SERKIT]

"It doesn't have to be tying up your partner or placing clamps on their nipples, it could be something as simple as cooking a meal together or even doing the housework as a duo."

I'd rather do the vacuuming, and I really HATE vaccuming.

[Bigh4u2]

LOL!

[donna]

This will be taught in public schools next semester. Kindergarteners need to know this.

[lula]

OMG!!! What in the world is in these peoples’ water they’re drinking?????

[pissant]

[dragonblustar]

[messierhunter]

Meanwhile spanking a child who misbehaves repeatedly is considered “abuse”.

Exactly. It's sad that when I read the headline I thought it was saying that discipline of an offspring brings couples together. I thought it was odd, especially since it would imply something positive about traditional parenting methods, but the "sexual meaning" didn't hit me until I clicked on it. I guess I'm living in a different era.

[Larry Lucido]

I think I have that one!

[dragonblustar]

Still, if Reese Witherspoon really wants a spanking...

Helen is available.

[Leg Olam]

“When sexual intercourse is consensual it is not stressful...”

Uh, yeah...and prostitutes are paid to leave afterwards not for sex.

[1035rep]

“SPANKING is stressful at first, but it could bring consenting couples closer together.”

Bring them together in divorce court maybe. If My husband tried to spank me, I’d be a widow.

[Cicero]

Works on the government level, too, according to our leaders.

Google has apparently suppressed this image. I had a hard time finding it this time.

[pandoraou812]

lmao! Have you done your own study? I don’t have any friends that wouldn’t flip out if their man tried to spank them. I can see lots of their husbands & mine walking hurt or with black eyes. Perhaps both.

[pissant]

Have I done my own study?

Yes.

[George Smiley]

The family that flays together, stays together.

[SIDENET]

SPANKING is stressful at first, but it could bring consenting couples closer together. That's the implication of two studies of hormonal changes associated with sadomasochistic (S&M) activities including spanking, bondage and flogging.

What ever happened to just putting a Barry White album on the record player?

[sheik yerbouty]

“Sticks and stones
May break my bones
But whips and chains
Excite me!”

[sheik yerbouty]

You must mean porkulous..

[pandoraou812]

Cool! I take it you came out unhurt?

[pissant]

My wrist got a bit sore from swinging for awhile.