Symptoms of masochism can vary from person to person and by type. These conditions typically arise from complex psychological factors.

Symptoms of masochism may include:

* Deriving pleasure from experiencing physical or emotional pain
* Showing a lessened negative response to stress, pain, or hardship
* Preferring failure
* Preferring obedience to or control by an authority figure
* Exhibiting self-harming behaviors
* Avoiding and rejecting outside help
* Self-harm, physical or psychological
* Distrusting others and exhibiting depressive behavior related to this distrust
* Focusing on negative emotions
* Experiencing a strong fear of abandonment

Individuals with masochistic tendencies often believe they deserve their pain because they find pleasure in it. The endorphins released in the body during pain contribute to feelings of well-being.