Weblog Sin Pies

By Charley Daniels

Reuters: Department of backward conclusions: High self-esteem leads to promiscuity in men

Young men who feel good about their looks are more likely than their peers with a less positive body image to engage in risky sexual behavior, a new study of college students shows.

The men who were most satisfied with their appearance, and the most appearance-oriented — meaning they were highly invested in their looks and considered appearance to be important — were also the most likely to have sex without condoms and to have sex with multiple partners, Dr. Eva S. Lefkowitz of Pennsylvania State University in University Park and colleagues report.

The good doctor almost goes on to say that having a positive image of oneself is a bad thing. You know, since it leads to unprotected sex with multiple partners.

I have a different theory entirely: Sluts love hot guys. Yeah, I said it. No study needed.

Interestingly, the study found that females with high self-esteem are less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than their insecure counterparts. Explanation? The cocky, metro males need someone to get down with. Female sluts have low self-esteem, male sluts have high self-esteem. Opposites attract. Isn’t it great when the world makes sense?

‘It’s important to point out that we don’t know which comes first,’ Lefkowitz said. People who feel better about their looks may be more likely to have sex, or being sexually active may confer a better body image, she explained.

Riiiiiight. Having tons of sex leads to high fives and congratulations from other dudes, while the female response to the same behavior is not necessarily so accepting. I know how it goes, I watch TV. It’s also important to point out that scientists don’t create stereotypes, and empirical data don’t lie.