I told you guys that I became physically ill reading a sample of Fifty Shades of Grey because the writing was physically offensive. That was the first clue! Anyway, a new study published in The Journal of Women’s Health has brought us a bit of unsurprising, but still utterly satisfying news. The study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University found that reading E.L. James‘ craptastic novels masterpiece trilogy could potentially lead to, or reinforce harmful, “unhealthy behaviors” . Ya don’t say…
The researchers studied more than 650 women aged 18-24, a prime period for exploring greater sexual intimacy in relationships, Bonomi said. Compared to participants who didn’t read the book, those who read the first “Fifty Shades” novel were 25 percent more likely to have a partner who yelled or swore at them; 34 percent more likely to have a partner who demonstrated stalking tendencies; and more than 75 percent more likely to have used diet aids or fasted for more than 24 hours.
Those who read all three books in the series were 65 percent more likely than nonreaders to binge drink — or drink five or more drinks on a single occasion on six or more days per month — and 63 percent more likely to have five or more intercourse partners during their lifetime.
If you’re a fan of the books, don’t freak out. The researchers aren’t calling for the books to be burned in a massive bonfire (one can only dream), but they do urge people to recognize bullshit for what it is. I’m not mad at James. She’s stacking her coins, and I’m not hating the player, but I will be hating on the game.