Do you or someone you love (hate) derive pleasure from receiving punishment?
Your (his/her) parietal operculum may be to thank (blame)
In 2016, German researchers investigated the brain function of thirty-two volunteers and discovered interesting differences in the neural circuitry of masochists. Using a specialized magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the scientists determined the brain connections of masochists were altered: The connections between the parietal operculum (part of the brain that integrates the intellectual and emotional aspects of pain), the insular cortex (an area that is active during psychological conflicts) and the supramarginal gyrus (part of the brain that controls language perception and processing) is shoddy in masochistic individuals.
Based on their research, a claim can be made that the parietal operculum is the key area of the brain that differentiates masochists from those who demonstrate typical responses to receiving pain or being punished.
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Image credit-
Kamping S, Andoh J, Bomba IC, Diers M, Diesch E, Flor H. Contextual modulation of pain in masochists: involvement of the parietal operculum and insula. Pain. 2016 Feb;157(2):445-455.
Hi. Confirmed masochist here 👋... of varying degrees in painting the spectrum.
My first understanding came in my early 20s when working on breaking various addictive patterns and behaviors. A first taste of self harm during childhood gave a release and sense of control while growing in an otherwise choatic environment.
Has taken decades to alchemize the ingredients behind whatever science wants to tell us. My brain has been diagnosed with four types of depressions and I have been treated for a hormonal disorder. My success has been in finding healthy alternatives and outlets to express a level of anger or dissatisfaction in a contained space with emotionally 'safe' people. I still enjoy sourcing pain for pleasure, age and wisdom has helped with the evolution behind the why.