| While some old-school English professors might frown upon XXX-rated stories, research suggests that indulging in erotica can actually offer some real mental health perks. A study from York University in 2013 revealed that people who enjoy romantic fiction tend to have higher levels of empathy compared to those who read other genres. And whether they are reading fiction novels or catching up on some Sexy Stories on Tumblr the science behind this remains the same. According to mental health and sexuality educator Sarah Jane, diving into steamy books or arousing material can help shift your stress or anxiety into something more positive—like feeling excited and passionate instead of overwhelmed or scared. In her 2016 essay, “My Secret Weapon Against Stress and Anxiety,” Jane explains that you can interrupt stress with something that sparks a similar physical response, such as an increased heart rate, but in a more positive way. She shares that just moments before picking up one of her favorite erotic novels, her racing heart feels terrifying. But once she starts reading, that sensation becomes pure arousal. Now, using sexy media to tackle stress might sound like a bit of a stretch. (I mean, my “U up?” mood is definitely not the same as my “I’m stressed about this work deadline” vibe.) But there’s some solid psychology behind the idea that arousal and anxiety are more connected than you might think. Science refers to this as the “Misattribution of Arousal.” It’s a subconscious phenomenon where the symptoms of anxiety—like a racing heart and feeling flushed—can mimic the feelings of arousal. Since both emotions trigger similar chemical reactions in the body, when we’re anxious, we might be able to channel that stress into feeling, well, sexy. Pretty cool, right? Take “The Love Bridge,” for example. While it might sound like a cheesy romance title, it’s actually the name of a 1970s psychological experiment. Researchers Donald G. Dutton and Arthur P. Aron found that men who met a woman on a shaky, unstable bridge were more likely to ask her out compared to those who met her on a stable bridge. This experiment showed that when we’re in a stressful situation, our brains can sometimes turn anxiety into arousal all on their own. According to the 2015 Nielsen’s Romance Book Buyer Report, a whopping 85% of romance readers identify as women. A 2013 survey from the fan fiction site Archive of Our Own also found that 80% of their users are female. While erotica isn’t just for women, it’s clear that many women and femmes are particularly drawn to it. But why? Sex educator Emily Nagoski, author of Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life, explains that women and femmes often desire an emotional connection or context to experience arousal. While visual sexual material, like pornography, can definitely be arousing, Nagoski notes that certain types of visual porn can also cause stress, confusion, or self-comparison. “Sex is most satisfying for most women when it’s in a low-stress, high-trust, and affectionate setting,” Nagoski says. Erotica, with its detailed written descriptions, can provide that emotional connection and allow readers to imagine their own sexual experiences in a way that feels less stressful and more personal. Of course, erotica isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for anxiety, depression, or trauma, as writer and sex educator Kate Sloan told Glamour. However, it can be a valuable tool in a broader mental health toolkit for those dealing with these issues. While reading sexy material shouldn’t replace professional mental health care, picking up an erotic novel might just help you manage stress—and even think more positively about your own sex life. As my fourth-grade teacher used to say, “Open a book, grow your mind.” And hey, science backs it up: reading erotica might just be good for your brain, too! |