(057) Functional Versus Experiential Architectures: A Structural Network Analysis of Gender Differences in BDSM Fantasies

Introduction Research indicates significant gender differences in BDSM fantasy engagement, with men often reporting higher arousal linked to power dynamics, while women exhibit a broader spectrum of fantasies with greater relational complexity. However, understanding the underlying organizational principles of these fantasies is challenging. Traditional methods like factor analysis, that relay on pre-defined constructs, may fail to capture the full psychological landscape, particularly when fantasies do not fit neatly into predefined categories. Network analysis offers a data-driven alternative capable of modeling the psychological architecture of these fantasies, mapping the interconnections between fantasies, allowing for an ecologically valid investigation into how men and women mentally structure their BDSM-related fantasies. Objective This study used network analysis to map and compare the psychological structure of core BDSM fantasies in large samples of cisgender men and women. We aimed to: 1) identify the distinct thematic fantasy clusters that emerge for each gender; 2) test for significant differences in network structure, density, and fantasy centrality; and 3) identify the key "bridge" fantasies that serve as conceptual gateways between different thematic clusters within each gender's network. Methods Data were drawn from a large-scale international study, from which a final sample of cisgender males (N=11,210, age = 26.06□11.40) and females (N = 13,997, age = 18.95□6.62) was selected. We analyzed 28 core BDSM fantasies rated on a 7-point scale. Networks were estimated for each gender via Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) with a glasso model and Leiden algorithm. Networks were compared using the Network Comparison Test (NCT; 10,000 permutations) on global structure, strength, and node centrality. Finally, bridge analysis identified key connector fantasies via bridge strength. Results NCT revealed significant differences in network structure (M = 0.196, p < .001) and global strength (S = 1.018, p < .001), with the male network being slightly denser. Centrality analysis further revealed that for men, fantasies of active dominance and psychological control were more central; for women, fantasies of receiving sensation were more central. EGA identified four distinct clusters per gender with different organizational principles. The male network showed a “functional” structure: 1) Power Exchange Domain, 2) Physical Domain, 3) Psychological & Consensual Non-Consent (CNC) Domain, and 4) Devotional Domain. In contrast, the female network revealed an “experiential” structure: 1) The Submission Domain, 2) Dominance Domain, 3) Protocols Domain, and 4) Psychological & CNC Domain. Bridge analysis highlighted that the male network was bridged by fantasies defining the power hierarchy (e.g., humiliation), linking its functional domains, while the female network was bridged by the core concept of S&M and bondage, connecting its distinct experiential clusters. Conclusions The psychological architectures of BDSM fantasies differ significantly between genders. Men organize their fantasies using a functional, compartmentalized logic, separating roles, tools, and psychological domains. Women use an experiential logic, integrating practices into distinct "dominating" versus "submitting" experiences. The conceptual bridges also differ, highlighting distinct mental pathways. These findings suggest that men and women may employ fundamentally different cognitive maps to organize fantasies related to power dynamics, influencing the related interpretation and communication processes. Disclosure No