ABSTRACT
Sadism and masochism are paradoxical conditions in which erotic gratification is obtained in association with humiliation, enslavement, domination and even with physical pain. The sadist is the donor and the masochist is the recipient of the degrading or cruel acts. The two anomalies are often thought to be fused in one person so that the term sadomasochism is used. Gebhard 17 claimed that partners are so difficult to find, that sadists must take turns being the masochist. This presupposes a preference for the sadism and explains both behaviors in the same person. Sack and Miller 42 on the other hand indicated that the interchangeability of the two behaviors has not been demonstrated satisfactorily in case material.
