Reframing sexuality through movement: Psychological effects of pole dancing

This master’s thesis examines the psychological effects of pole dance, with a particular focus on changes in the Sexual Self-Concept, Body Appreciation, in-group feeling and perceived competence. Although pole dance has gained increasing popularity as a form of physical activity, quantitative and longitudinal research on its psychological mechanisms remains limited. Existing studies are predominantly qualitative, highlighting experiences of empowerment, embodiment, and social belonging, but leaving important research gaps regarding measurable psychological outcomes and underlying processes. The project consists of two complementary studies. Study 1 is a pre–post intervention design to investigate whether a seven-week pole dance program leads to changes in selected dimensions of the Sexual Self-Concept (sexual self-esteem, sexual anxiety, and sexual consciousness) as well as Body Appreciation among beginner pole dancers. Study 2 uses a cross-sectional design to examine associations between pole dance experience and group cohesion, perceived competence, Body Appreciation, and the Sexual Self-Concept across dancers with varying experience levels. In addition, a mediation model is tested to assess whether Body Appreciation explains the relationship between pole dance experience and Sexual Self-Concept outcomes. It is expected that pole dance participation will be associated with increases in sexual self-esteem and Body Appreciation, as well as a reduction in sexual anxiety, while sexual consciousness is expected to remain relatively stable. Pole dance experience is expected to be positivly associated with higher in-group feeling, as well as higher perceived competence. Furthermore, Body Appreciation is expected to play a central role in linking physical engagement and social experiences in pole dance to broader aspects of the Sexual Self-Concept. This project aims to provide quantitative evidence for psychological effects of pole dance and to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how bodily, sexual, and social dimensions interact within this form of physical activity.