Autosadism

{{Short description|Form of independently directed sadomasochistic play}}

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Autosadism, or automasochism, is behaviour inflicting pain or humiliation on oneself. It may be related to self-harm{{cite book | title=Clinical Assessment, Computerized Methods, and Instrumentation | first=Frans J. | last=Maarse| publisher=Taylor & Francis | year=2003 | isbn=90-265-1944-3 | page=78 }}{{cite book | title=Autistic barriers in neurotic patients | first=Frances | last=Tustin |publisher=Karnac Books | year=1986 | isbn=0-946439-25-7 | page=60 }} or a paraphilia involving sexual arousal.{{Harvnb|Aggrawal|2008|p=371}} It can be viewed as a form of masochism,{{Harvnb|Aggrawal|2008|p=168}} a sublimated form of sadism, or a means to experiencing algolagnia, a sexual tendency which is defined by deriving sexual pleasure and stimulation from physical pain.{{cite book | first=Havelock | last=Ellis | title=Studies in the Psychology of Sex | volume=3 | author-link=Havelock Ellis | edition=3rd | publisher=Echo Library | year=2007 | isbn=978-1-4068-6282-9 | page=122 }}