The Theory of Planned Behaviour as a predictor of intention to engage in BDSM and vanilla Sex

Abstract

Abstract The authors postulate that the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) offers a hypothetically valuable framework for investigating Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission and Sadomasochism (BDSM) and non-BDSM sexual behaviours, i.e. “vanilla” sex. This is because it examines attitudes, beliefs, subjective norms, intention, and perceived behavioural control over exhibited behaviours. Online cross-sectional data were gathered from participants classified as “BDSM” (n = 61) and “vanilla” (n = 41). Measures included the Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaire (TPB Constructs), as well as Anxiety (GAD–7), Depression (PHQ–9), and Self-Efficacy questionnaires. Findings revealed that the constructs of attitude towards vanilla sex predicts the person’s intention to engage in this behaviour (β = .42, p = .005). Similarly, perceived behavioural control predicts intention to engage in paraphilic or BDSM sex (β = .47, p < .001). This study concludes that the TPB is a useful model for predicting BDSM and vanilla sexual behavioural intention. Future research could uncover additional underlying determining or correlating factors associated with BDSM and vanilla sex, such as mental illness and childhood experiences. Having this understanding of the role that social cognition plays in the development and behaviour of different sexual practices, would benefit the development of sexual wellbeing programmes.