Degradation involves consensually lowering a person's status through insults, humiliating acts, or psychological put-downs. It differs from humiliation in often being more intense and direct.
Forms include verbal degradation (name-calling, insults), physical acts (spitting, using as furniture), forced behaviors (crawling, begging), or symbolic lowering of status.
The appeal for receivers often involves freedom from ego, the intensity of emotional experience, or eroticization of shame. For givers, it may involve power, control, or enjoying their partner's reactions.
Aftercare is especially important - reaffirming the person's worth and value after intense degradation scenes helps prevent lasting psychological effects.
Safety Information
Negotiate specific language/acts carefully. Thorough aftercare essential. Watch for emotional distress.