Subspace (BDSM)

Subspace (also sub space), in the context of a BDSM scene, is the psychological state of the submissive partner.

Subspace is a metaphor for the state the submissive's minds and bodies are in during a deeply involving play scene. Many types of BDSM play invoke strong physical responses such as extended adrenaline surges that can cause exhaustion. The mental aspect of BDSM also causes many submissives to mentally separate themselves from their environment as they process the experience. Deep subspace is often characterized as a state of deep recession and incoherence. Many submissives require aftercare.

The term is unrelated to the mathematical term subspace.

See also

• ego reduction