Effects of Pole Dance on Mental Wellbeing and the Sexual Self-concept—A Pilot Randomized-controlled Trial

Abstract Background The present pilot randomized controlled trial examined psychological and psychosexual effects of pole dancing. Methods Fifty women were randomized to an eight-weeks pole dancing program or 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. Results Compared to 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. Conclusions Pole dancing may have broad psychological effects on both overall mental wellbeing and important domains of the sexual self-concept.