Yoga. Meditation. Marijuana. Wine. Bubble baths. Deep breathing exercises. Naps. These are all common strategies people use to relax. But according to a new study published by Archives of Sexual Behavior, puppy play (a.k.a. “pup play”) is also an excellent way to unwind.
The study, which is the first of its kind, was led by Dr. Mark McCormack, a sociologist at Durham University, and Liam Wignall at the University of Sunderland. Researchers spoke with 30 gay and bisexual men from across the U.K. who all engage in pup play, the popular form of role-play where one person acts as the human and the other person acts as the dog, on a regular basis.
What they found was that many of the guys who identified as “pups” reported doing so to achieve a psychological state commonly referred to as “pup head space,” “puppy mode,” or “pup brain.”
Basically, this is a nirvana-like mental state of being where a dude finds himself able to release all cognitive inhibitions and live fully in the moment, the way a dog does. According to the study, the majority of pups said getting into this headspace was their main reason for engaging in the behavior in the first place.
“Life is a bit simpler in the headspace,” one participant said. “It’s nice not to do anything and just relax.”
“When I do pup play, sometimes it’s an escape from the world into a different mindset,” another added. “I enjoy not feeling the need to be responsible.”
Pup play has grown more and more popular within the kink/BDSM community in recent years. Part of the appeal, researchers now conclude, is that not only does it feed people’s sexual appetites, but it has its own unique calming benefits, often achieved through escapism.
“We classify pup play as a kink, and find no evidence for the framing of it as a form of zoophilia,” researchers write. “We call for further research on pup play as a sexual kink and leisure activity from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives.”
Woof.
Related: The Growing Trend Of “Puppy Play” Is Further Proof That Men Can Be Such Dogs
h/t: Gaypopbuzz
Photo credit: redbubble.com
Ellie533
You’re kidding right? This article is a wind up.
Billy Budd
You’ve got to be kidding me. This is insane.
David Bolton
“This study brought to you by some moron who engages in ‘pup play.'”
mhoffman953
Most likely it was. I bet part of the “research” was probably funded by the government too in the form of a grant. Another waste of money
DMRX
@hoff: Since it’s in England, who cares?
And as you as a college student likely aren’t contributing anything (or very little) in income tax, doubly… Why do you care?
natekerchel
Why is it ‘insane’? It is an aspect of human behavior that allows people to express parts of their emotional/sexual psyche in a safe environment. It may not appeal to everyone – but that does not mean it is wrong or insane. The principle behind this is the same as that shown when real ‘pups’ are brought to lonely or sick people i.e. the interaction between the ‘pup’ and the ‘human’ creates a bond of trust of care, and it has been demonstrated that both sides benefit from this type of interaction.
Moe often than not the type of behavior described in this article is really an aspect of s+m – but the psychological and physical benefits are still fulfilling to those taking part. There are many aspects of human interaction – both sexual and emotional – that are not fully explored. For me, anything that expands our knowledge and understanding is of interest, though this does not imply that I want to necessarily take part in those things myself.. It is the variety and understanding of human interactions that appeals to me. It is not for me to approve or disapprove – we have enough of that going on at the moment.
Lvng1Tor
Every man that I know who engages in Pup Play is relaxed, productive and a kind person. Just because something isn’t for you doesn’t mean it can’t be a positive influence in that person’s life. Stop being so f’n judgemental on anything that doesn’t do it for you. Freakn closed-minded prudes!
PRINCE OF SNARKNESS aka DIVKID
I never used to get why the Right so loathed the “science” of sociology
Hussain-TheCanadian
This is not for me but I’m just wondering why not just get a dog, Lord knows there are many of them who are in need of loving homes. The same “narvanic” feeling will be released in the brain, and the dog will always be by yourside.
Heywood Jablowme
Millennials are all allergic (the white ones anyway).
Kieran
Reading the comments. More proof that gays can be just as judgmental and intolerant as any hetero. What happened to live and let live?
Heywood Jablowme
If pup play is a “kink,” why WOULDN’T it indicate an interest in “zoophilia”? (which I guess is now the polite euphemism for an interest in bestiality, un-acted upon?)?
“Kink” indicates “sexual,” or has that been re-defined too?
It’s good they’re all allergic to real dogs and not bothering real dogs with this stuff.
Anyway I expect this to pop up on that blog, “Things White People Like,” and eventually on The Onion.