Casual Sex Is Good For You, Says Science

From: The Backlot

Good news for all you Grindr (and Scruff) (and Adam4Adam) (and Tinder) (and whatever else you might use to get laid) users out there! A recent study published by the Social Psychology and Personal Science Journal concluded that casual sex has mental health benefits, including boosts to self-esteem and an increase in general life satisfaction. While many, more conservative social scientists have previously attempted to slut-shame with empirical evidence, this new study (led by researcher Zhana Vrangalova) explores the many benefits of promiscuity.

More specifically, the study’s abstract reads:

Casual sex has become a normative experience among young people, raising concerns regarding its well-being consequences. Prior findings on main effects of casual sex on well-being are mixed, suggesting possible moderating factors. Using longitudinal and weekly diary methodologies, this study examined the moderating influence of sociosexuality, a stable personality orientation toward casual sex, on psychological well-being (self-esteem, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety) following penetrative (oral, vaginal, or anal) casual sex among single undergraduates. As predicted, sociosexuality moderated the effect of casual sex on well-being on a weekly basis across 12 consecutive weeks, over one semester, and over one academic year. Sociosexually unrestricted students typically reported higher well-being after having casual sex compared to not having casual sex; there were no such differences among restricted individuals. Few gender differences were found. Findings are discussed in terms of authenticity in one’s sexual behaviors.

While the hypothesis that undergraduates feel good after sex probably didn’t need to be tested longitudinally (seems pretty self evident?), it’s always nice to have a scientific rationalization for your looseness.

Although the conclusions presented in Vrangalova’s study seems pretty simple and conclusive, cultural critic Ryan Jacobs elaborates:

All-negative or all-positive findings don’t really account for the strange and nuanced spectrum of opinion about casual sex, and they especially exclude those who can’t wait to engage in their next coital misadventure with a complete stranger they just met while grinding on a dance floor of a sweaty club.

Crucially, the study proves that casual sex is much more textured and complex than previous research has let on.

Jacobs’ main argument is that those whose personalities are generally inclined towards sociosexuality benefit from casual sex. Those less interested in it tend to like it (and themselves after having it) less. Makes sense.

In conclusion: if you like being a slut, be a slut. For your health!