'Psychology Today' Looks at Porn Star 'Damaged Goods' Study

LOS ANGELES—Psychology Today is generally not the place to go for "fair and balanced" articles on pornography, but an article on the site published Monday actually takes seriously the recent study that debunked the porn star "damaged goods" theory, and even endorses its conclusions. The theory, according to the authors of the study, postulates that "actresses involved in the pornography industry come from desperate backgrounds and are less psychologically healthy compared to typical women." Results found just the opposite. After reciting some factual money shots from the study, the Psychology Today author Gad Saad, Ph.D. writes, "Bottom line: Other than the fact that porn actresses are more likely to have tried a wide range of drugs (possibly a manifestation of a 'party' lifestyle), the 'Damaged Goods' hypothesis is firmly rejected. If anything, porn actresses scored higher on self-esteem and several quality of life measures!" However, because it's Psychology Today and he's a professional, Saad concludes his piece, "As a means of perhaps preempting some likely comments, please note that my reporting the findings of this study does not imply that I am a pornographer or that I am a supporter of this career choice! ☺" Party pooper.