Perspectives from Highly Religious Families on Boundaries and Rules About Sex

J Relig Health. 2021 Jun;60(3):1576-1599. doi: 10.1007/s10943-020-01171-9. Epub 2021 Jan 19.

Abstract

We investigated the intersection of religion and boundaries placed around sex using qualitative data from 198 highly religious Muslim, Christian, and Jewish families. Coding performed by two researchers resulted in six core themes that provide insight into the connection between these two domains. Frequency counts of the core themes, participant quotes, and implications are presented-including the benefits of practitioners inquiring into how clients' faith affects sexual behavior and scripts, how fidelity and vows might serve a protective function for the relationships of highly religious couples, and how religion may empower women in terms of sexual boundary setting.

Keywords: Religion; Religious beliefs; Sex; Sexual attitudes; Sexual behavior.

MeSH terms

  • Christianity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Islam*
  • Jews
  • Judaism*
  • Religion
  • Sexual Behavior