Benign masochism in the wild: pleasure predicts social identification at aversive mass gatherings

Abstract

Sharing pain promotes social connection and identification. However, relatively unstudied is the anecdotally common experience of pleasure from aversive experiences like pain (termed benign masochism), and what impact this may have on social identification. In two longitudinal field studies (total N = 343), we measured pain and pleasure, and examined identification with other attendees before and after taking part in an aversive mass gathering. Across both studies, identification was significantly higher post-event than at baseline. In Study 1 (cold swim), pleasure predicted increased identification. Study 2 added an aversive but no-physical-pain comparison (dysphoric art experience). Social..