If hearing the word “porn” made you turn your nose up and roll your eyes, hear us out: Turns out that actors in the porn industry can teach us all a bit about self-esteem. In the bedroom anyway. When researchers at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania surveyed a group of female porn stars and compared the results to surveys from a group of women whose jobs didn’t involve pornography, they found that the adult movie performers reported higher levels of self-esteem, spirituality, social support, and sexual satisfaction (when they were off the job) than their non-porn peers. Surprised by the results? In fact, they might not be as counterintuitive as we’d think, says the study’s lead author, James Griffith, PhD, a psychology professor at Shippensburg. First of all, people who opt to work in the industry might be more confident before their careers even start, because they need to be comfortable enough to strip down in front of others on an average workday. Given that the porn community is relatively small, these women also enjoy plenty of social support from their colleagues. As for higher levels of sexual satisfaction? It isn’t necessarily about having more, well, practice getting frisky. “This could be a result of being more open and accepting of sex,” says Griffith. “And the people in the community are more tolerant of their sexual choices.” That openness might, in turn, make these women more adventurous between the sheets. (Looking to get back that spark? Find out How To Want Sex Again.) People tend to stereotype porn stars as “damaged,” but these surprising results show that you can actually learn from them, Griffith says. Namely, the value of being comfortable with your sexuality and open to new experiences. Not exactly sure how to get yourself there? Try these easy (and very fun) strategies: Go on a sexy shopping spree Plenty of products, from lube to lingerie, can help nudge you out of your comfort zone and introduce some sizzling new experiences in the boudoire. Not quite ready to pick up a vibrator? No problem: Options like scented candles or massage oil are a fantastic first step. Check out these 8 All-Natural Sex Products to enhance your sex life without also enhancing your exposure to sketchy ingredients. Bust out some new moves A sex life simply can’t sizzle in a single position. If you’re feeling like a one-trick pony, consult our Ultimate Guide To Sex Positions for a few new ideas (no yogi flexibility required). One highlight? Position number seven, which Debby Herbenick, PhD, a sexual health educator at the Kinsey Institute, calls “fun and young and sexy.” Flip through a steamy novel Erotic books got a major publicity boost this year thanks to 50 Shades Of Grey, but if that series isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other options that can boost your sex life and your self-esteem. “Romance novels are as much about a woman falling in love with herself—in addition to the adventures, true love, and fantastic sex,” says romance novelist Maya Rodale. Check out one of these 8 Sexy Bedroom Books. Change the scenery Changing the location of your lovemaking—hotel room rendezvous, anyone?—can add major sparks, according to Esther Perel, author of Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence. Or simply try different rooms in the house to shake things up. More from Prevention: 13 Ways To Bring Sexy Back To Your Relationship Questions? Comments? Contact Prevention’s News Team!
