Disciplinary Action, Punishments & Funishments
Punishments and Disciplinary Actions are a means of helping an s-type get out of a negative headspace. They may experience being stuck in this negative headspace due to for instance having broken agreed upon rules, or not being able to complete a set goal or task for their D-type. An s-type may feel a range of negative emotions to varying degree due to this, even if the D-type does not necessarily feel dissatisfied with the commitment/work the s-type showed/did. However, an s-type may still experience a negative headspace for a variety of reasons. Factors such as built up anticipation and expectations of the self may be as big of a contributor to the negative headspace as the fear of disappointing their D-type.
Depending on what happened and the severity of the situation, the way an s-type is brought back to a positive headspace will vary. Personally, I feel Disciplinary Action is a better and broader terminology for helping an s-type be lifted back up to a good and positive headspace. Punishment is in my opinion a very strong word, and indicates a more harsh and intense form of a Disciplinary Action; one that is very rarely needed.
Explanation to the s-type as to what is about to happen and why it is happening is crucial to help the s-type to get out of their negative headspace. In the same manner, proper reassurance and aftercare is to be provided after as to avoid potential s-drops and other new negative effects. Failure to provide good aftercare can in the worst case make the experience traumatic.
Types of Disciplinary Actions and Punishments should always be agreed upon and discussed in a meta-talk, as well as the type of aftercare the s-type prefers and needs. A person who takes pleasure in giving Disciplinary Actions and Punishments is a sign of an abuser who is manipulating a vulnerable person in a negative headspace for their own sadistic pleasure and should be a major red flag for anyone.
The term Funishments is not to be confused with Disciplinary Actions and Punishments, as Funishments are by definition meant for fun. Funishments are meant to be an enjoyable experience both for the D-type and s-type, while still requiring appropriate aftercare. The reason why what on the surface level can seem to be the same as a Disciplinary Action or Punishment is okay to be enjoyed here, is because those involved are in a positive headspace. This means the s-type will not experience the Funishment as a means of making up for a wrongdoing. This also means the D-type can enjoy it together with the s-type, making the experience pleasant for both.
Funishments can in this way be a tool to explore ones dynamic and to experience various levels of s-space in a safe setting.
- Scandira, November 2020