Autonomy and masochism in women

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis, derived from a large body of theoretical literature, that disturbances in the development of autonomy are a central feature of masochism in women. Two sets of research questions were investigated. The first explored the relationship of masochism, measured by the Self-defeating scales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II (MCMI-II) and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-Revised (PDQ-R), to autonomy related variables, using the General Causality Orientation Scale and the Structured Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) Intrex Introject Questionnaire. The second set of questions concerned the relationship of masochism to family of origin characteristics assumed to be relevant to the development of autonomous functioning in the individual. These characteristics were assessed using the Family Environment Scale (FES). The above named instruments were administered to 135 women engaged in outpatient psychotherapy.

Significant findings supported two of the hypotheses tested with respect to autonomy-related variables. Evidence of masochism was found to be related to a weaker autonomy causality orientation in the study's participants and to a stronger impersonal causality orientation. No significant relationship was found between masochism and the Vll participants' endorsement of a control causality orientation. Contrary to prediction, a significant negative relationship was demonstrated between masochism and the SASB measure of controlling attitudes toward the self, suggesting a more complex relationship between masochism and introjected attitudes than hypothesized. No significant relationships were found between masochism and the family of origin variables. In conclusion, the study supported the hypothesis that problems with autonomy-related factors are related to masochism in women, but further research is necessary to investigate the nature of introjected attitudes toward the self and etiological influences.