In numerous studies of sleeping with strangers, some prudish scientists have suggested that pretty much all casual sex is detrimental to your psychological well-being. Listing off things like “less enjoyment and nurturance than romantic sex, frequent regret, unwanted emotional attachment, substance use, and social stigma.” Many people have accepted the theory that casual sex equates bad sex, but newer studies are showing that may not actually be the case!
From analyzing friends-with-benefits situations and one-night-stands to short and sweet flings, contemporary studies on casual sex are digging into the pluses and minuses of limited engagements more than ever before. Research indicates casual sex isn’t objectively “good” or “bad” for your mental health. Instead, the way you respond to casual sex largely depends upon your “sociosexual orientation.” There are positive psychological benefits when someone acts authentically, or in accordance with their personality. The authors argue that there would be no reason to believe that this effect wouldn’t extend to casual sex. If you are “sociosexually unrestricted,” or you desire casual sex, you might derive psychological benefits from feeling like you’re acting authentically while having it.
In addition to your sociosexual orientation, how you approach a fling can impact how you feel about it afterwards. A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior delineated two types of behavior when it comes to flings and casual hookups: “autonomous” and “non-autonomous.” Autonomous behavior includes being super attracted to someone or wanting to experiment sexually, while non-autonomous behavior ranges include being drunk or using casual sex to try to get revenge on an ex. Unsurprisingly, those whose motivations were non-autonomous tended to experience a decrease in psychological wellbeing after a hookup.
If you are wondering if casual sex is right for you spend some time figuring out your emotional and physical needs before you engage in casual sex and you may be surprised what you learn about yourself and your sexual desires.
