The term for when someone likes or gains pleasure from pain is called "masochism." A person who enjoys experiencing pain, whether physical or emotional, is called a masochist. Masochism can involve sexual pleasure from pain or humiliation, but it also can extend to non-sexual contexts where pain or discomfort is somehow enjoyed or sought out.
Masochism Explained
- Masochism specifically refers to deriving pleasure from receiving pain.
- It contrasts with sadism, which is the enjoyment of inflicting pain on others.
- Masochism can be part of consensual sexual practices, such as BDSM, but can also be present in other behaviors where people seek out pain or discomfort.
Types of Masochism
- Sexual masochism: Experiencing sexual pleasure from pain or humiliation.
- Psychological masochism: Deriving enjoyment from psychological pain.
- Moral masochism: Engaging in suffering to alleviate guilt or for self-punishment.
- Adaptive masochism: Enjoying temporary pain for delayed gratification.
Thus, liking pain is called masochism, and the person who experiences this is known as a masochist.