Kelly Cuccolo, Marina Brunner, Taylor Baumler, and Richard Ferraro

University of North Dakota

Faculty Mentor: Richard Ferraro

Despite deleterious outcomes associated with sexualization and objectification, some women seek out and report enjoyment from participation in sexualizing activities. It is possible that participation in such activities affords some perceived benefit or positive experience. Certain types of sexualizing activities may promote feelings of body functionality, and “being in” the body (i.e. embodiment). Recreational pole dancing offers an environment to study this hypothesis given both sexualizing/objectifying (e.g., costuming) and embodying (e.g., skill) elements are present. This study used mixed methods to examine associations between enjoyment of sexualization and mental health among recreational pole dancers (N = 82) recruited from five recreational pole dancing studios. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes surrounding women’s perception of recreational pole dancing as beneficial for their mental health: mind-body connection, agency, and community. The discussion centers on the practical application of the three themes present in the data, and future directions for research.