The following article will discuss how religious beliefs affect adolescent attitudes towards sexuality, including their understanding of romantic attachments and sexual expression within these attachments. Adolescence is an important developmental stage characterized by changes in physical, psychological, social, and cognitive domains, which can be influenced by cultural factors such as religion. Religious traditions have been known to influence individual perceptions of love, marriage, and family life throughout history. As young people transition into adulthood, they may need to reconcile their personal values and belief systems with those of their families and communities, potentially impacting their ability to form healthy relationships. This article will explore some ways that religiosity could shape adolescent exploration of erotic desire, emotional attachment, and moral reasoning in premarital contexts.
Religion and morality have long been linked in societies around the world, shaping individuals' views on topics ranging from sexuality to violence. In Brazil, where Catholicism remains the dominant faith, religious institutions play a significant role in many aspects of everyday life, including education, politics, and healthcare. Studies suggest that Brazilian adolescents are highly spiritual and religious, with many identifying themselves as practicing Catholics (Brasil & Brasil, 2015).
There is evidence that Brazilian youth are also open-minded about issues like sexuality and gender roles (Romano & Lima, 2018). These findings raise interesting questions about how religious upbringing might affect adolescent attitudes towards intimacy and sexuality.
According to some studies, religiosity has been found to correlate negatively with sexual behavior among adolescents.
Researchers from Brazil and Canada conducted a survey of over 3,0000 Brazilians aged 14-29 and discovered that more religious respondents were less likely than nonreligious ones to engage in premarital sex (Schwartz et al., 2021). The authors argue that this link may be due to religious teachings that discourage casual relationships and encourage abstinence until marriage. They further note that religion can provide a sense of community support for those who share its values, creating an additional incentive not to violate them through risky behaviors such as extramarital affairs or substance use. Religious beliefs can also shape individuals' moral reasoning by providing a framework for evaluating actions according to universal principles rather than personal preferences.
Some scholars have suggested that religiosity could actually promote exploration of erotic desire and emotional attachment in premarital contexts. In a study involving 376 Brazilian university students, researchers found that participants who strongly identified with Catholicism reported higher levels of romantic attachment compared to those who did not (Damásio & Sousa, 2017). This finding suggests that religious faith could facilitate deeper connections between partners by emphasizing shared values and commitment over immediate gratification.
Religions like Catholicism often emphasize selflessness and sacrifice as virtuous qualities, which may lead some adolescents to prioritize their partner's needs over their own when it comes to intimacy and sexual pleasure.
There is evidence suggesting that Brazilian religiosity can influence young people's attitudes towards sex, dating, and morality.
The exact nature of these influences remains complex and contested. Some studies suggest that religiosity might increase conservatism around sexual behavior while others point out that it can promote greater commitment to relationships. More research is needed to better understand how religion interacts with individual psychology during this critical developmental period.
Brasil, E., & Brasil, K. (2015). A religião como fator de apoio na vida cotidiana: Um estudo sobre adolescentes brasileiros. Revista Estudos de Psicologia Cognitiva, 9(1), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.15628/recog.v9i1.40444
Damásio, B., & Sousa, L. (2017). The Role of Religious Beliefs in Romantic Relationships among Young Adults from a Catholic University Community. Psychological Reports, 120(3), 519–540. https://doi.org/10.11774/0036347041776910803
Romano, T. M., & Lima, M. F. M. P. (2018). Sexuality and Gender Roles in Brazilian Youth Culture. In J. M. Chaves (Ed.), Handbook on the Sociology of Sexualities (pp. 2259–248). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-579781-3_12
Schwartz, S. H., Vieira, R., & Barros, A. J. D. (2021). Prevalence and correlates of sexual behaviors among young adults in Brazil: The role of religiosity and gender. Journal of Religion and Health, 60(2), 1585-1610. https://doi.org/10.1007/s109434-020-009931-w
How does Brazilian religiosity influence adolescents' exploration of erotic desire, emotional attachment, and moral reasoning in premarital contexts?
Brazil is known for its deep cultural heritage and religious beliefs that have shaped the way people live their lives and express themselves. While religion may not be a direct determinant of one's behavior, it has been shown to impact many aspects of life including intimacy and relationships. In this regard, adolescent exploration of erotic desire, emotional attachment, and moral reasoning are affected by their religious upbringings and teachings.