We often meet people who complain about their hard life, but do nothing to change it. They like to cry, using others as a vest. Such people have constant problems, they are always unhappy. It may even seem that they enjoy constant trouble, because they always find excuses for practical advice on how to overcome difficulties. And there are those who seem to like not only moral suffering, but also physical. Sometimes they injure themselves, provoke other people to it or even ask directly to hurt them. What are people who love pain called? Where do such inclinations come from?
What is the name of the person who loves pain?
A person who enjoys pain (physical or mental) is a masochist. Masochism can be viewed from two sides:
- As a way to get sexual satisfaction through pain or humiliation.
- As a character trait.
Often masochists do not bring pleasure to the pain itself, but to what is behind it. Moral masochism may be unconscious: a person himself can provoke some not very pleasant circumstances for himself, without realizing it.
The origins of masochism
Masochistic inclinations are formed in childhood. One of the reasons may be the desire to attract the attention of parents. When a child is well, he does not receive proper attention, but during his illnesses or problems, parents surround the child with care and love. Thus, subconsciously, the child begins to realize that he is loved only when everything is bad with him.
It happens that a child, who is often severely punished, begins to behave provocatively, deliberately sticking in various unpleasant situations. So he gets control of the situation: he decides when he will be punished.
Sometimes masochistic tendencies occur in adopted children. The child feels bad, because he was abandoned by his mother and father. He provokes foster parents to punishment in order to prove that they are also bad, and thus increase their own self-esteem.
Masochists are children who have experienced severe injuries and abuse. In most cases, these are girls, while boys are more likely to show sadistic tendencies.
How to communicate with a masochist
A masochist in others can cause pity or aggression. He often complains, pity himself, but does nothing to correct the situation. It is important for him to receive support and attention.
The negative reaction to the masochist is also not terrible, because he will be able to revel even more strongly in the injustice of the world and his own suffering.
In relation to the masochist, it is better to stay neutral or friendly. Any vivid reaction - positive or negative - is equally beneficial for the masochist. He will either continue to use you as a vest, or he will complain to you about others.
So, a person who loves pain is called a masochist. Such people often provoke others to aggression or pity. They do not enjoy the pain itself, but use it to maintain their own self-esteem or reduce guilt. If a person begins to cause physical harm to himself, we can talk about mental pathology. Such a person needs the help of a specialist.