Now it’s not a big surprise that at a campus of 40,000 people, people would have sex outside of a relationship. However, from middle school when we receive “the talk” until now we are still warned how doing this can cause health problems, such as STDs, but also problems emotionally. Nonetheless, a new study found that casual sex might actually be good for you. 
A new study, published in the Social Psychology and Personality science journal, found that sociosexually unrestricted students (those who slept around a lot) reported higher well-being after casual sex. Researchers at New York University and Cornell surveyed 371 college students for the study and 42% of them said that they have sex outside of a relationship. The researchers also found that the participants experienced lower stress levels and thrived more following casual sex. However, the same researcher, Zhana Vrangalova, from Cornell concluded a few months before this new study that causal sex makes you depressed.
The researcher said the difference between the two depends on the motivation. There are the autonomous reasons (“right” reasons) and the nonautonomous reasons (“wrong” reasons). Vrangalova said that the autonomous reasons were for the fun, enjoyment, or want to explore and learn about sexuality. The nonautonomous reasons were revenge, avoid unpleasant feelings, to feel better about oneself, or too intoxicated. The researchers from the two universities conclude that if a student had casual sex for the wrong reasons it co
rrelated with increased stress and anxiety. However, if they had casual sex for the autonomous reasons it correlated to being good for them.
While the researchers findings are what many college students want to hear, there are still problems. The study was conducted on a small sample of students that attended universities in the northeast. The sample size does not accurately represent the nation as a whole. Also, correlation does not equal causation. There could have been other outlying factors as to why students were stressed at the end of the school year. For example, school work. While the study seems pretty conclusive there could also be confounding variables that were overlooked by researchers.
Sources:
http://time.com/2917281/casual-sex-is-good-for-you-study/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/24/casual-sex-study_n_5522421.html
It was shocking to read that people actually think casual sex is good. I have never heard this before. Although you mention many valid points, I disagree. I feel as if people who indulge in casual sex put themselves at risk. For starters, STDs are a big no-no. Therefore, why risk getting an STD for a one night stand? Also, casual sex is bad for our social stigma. Those who participate in this hobby get a reputation- usually a bad one. Once we get this reputation of being a slut/whore/hoe/skank, we are more likely to be depressed and sad. Casual sex also ruins friendships. Marie Claire has an awesome article on why casual sex can actually be harmful. Look at it! http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/men/reasons-to-avoid-casual-sex
I found this blog to be very interesting. However, I wish you would have expanded more on the research. How was it tested how happy or depressed the students were after having causal sex? Were the students asked the reasons they chose to participate in sexual activity? I also feel the term “outside of a relationship,” is a loose one. Someone can have sex outside of a relationship with their friend who they know and trust and another person can have sex outside of a relationship with a complete stranger whose name they do not know. I feel this is an important factor to take into account as well when examining the students feelings after the sex. Good job though, it was very interesting to think and read about!
The studies you stated seem to be rather weak. How do they measure the lack of stress and happiness levels? Do they take into consideration those who are able to have casual sex for those motives usually lack problems that would make it harder for them to have a positive reaction. For example someone who has a failing relationship or emotional issues would not have a positive reaction. So were the people that found casual sex beneficial less stressed out and happy prior to it?
I found your blog very interesting. It is hard to wrap ones mind around the fact that performing the same act can leave individuals feeling completely different. While some people enjoy casual sex, as you mentioned others do not. The idea of casual sex is something that people of all ages, are exposed to because of the media. Movies such as, No Strings Attached, Friends with Benefits, Bridesmaids and What’s your number, have influenced all of those who watch them. It is important that people realize that they are not in a movie and everyone handles situations in different ways.