Pole dancing, a form of dance that combines strength, flexibility, and sensual movements, has been found to significantly improve women’s mental wellbeing and aspects of the sexual self-concept. This includes sexual self-esteem and anxiety.
The findings are part of a pilot randomized-controlled trial, the first of its kind to examine the psychological effects of pole dancing. The study involved fifty women who were randomized to an eight-week pole dancing program or a waitlist. The primary outcome was global mental wellbeing. Secondary outcomes included several dimensions of the sexual self-concept, as well as body appreciation and global self-esteem.
The results showed that compared to the waitlist, the pole dance group showed an increase in mental wellbeing and improvements in sexual self-efficacy, sexual anxiety, sexual self-esteem, and body appreciation. These findings suggest that pole dancing may have broad psychological effects on both overall mental wellbeing and important domains of the sexual self-concept.
Dance is one of the earliest ways of human expression, and has been shown to have various benefits for mental health and quality of life. It can also enhance empathy, positive emotions, stress regulation, and social competencies, as well as sexual health. Especially when dancing in groups, people reported a stronger feeling of relatedness to others, as they learned more about other people’s feelings and bodies when synchronizing the mutual movements.
The researchers also suggested that the act of dancing can be empowering, as it allows for creativity and experiencing one’s body in a new way. This can raise self-esteem and body image, which are often linked to sexual satisfaction and confidence. Pole dancing, in particular, may foster a positive sexual self-concept, as it involves sensual and erotic elements that can enhance one’s sexual expression and pleasure.
However, the researchers acknowledged that further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of how pole dancing affects mental and sexual wellbeing. They also noted that the study had some limitations, such as a small sample size, a lack of a control group that engaged in another form of physical activity, and a possible self-selection bias of the participants.
Pole dancing has become increasingly popular over the past decade, and has emerged as a recreational and fitness activity. Pole dancing classes are now widely available in fitness studios, offering a fun and challenging way to exercise and express oneself.
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