In most Asian societies, premarital sexual behavior is strongly discouraged because it is seen as immoral and sinful. Marriage is considered the ideal way to express one's sexual desires without shame and guilt.
There are variations within different cultures and traditions regarding attitudes towards premarital sex.
Some Hindu sects such as Jainism and Brahminism consider sexual intercourse as sacred between married couples and believe that it can lead to spiritual liberation. In Buddhism, celibacy is encouraged for monks but not necessarily for lay people. Islamic countries have strict rules against extramarital relationships and premarital sex, but they allow marriages even before puberty and encourage arranged marriages where physical attraction is not important. Traditional Chinese culture values virginity until marriage, while modern urbanites have become more open to casual dating and hookups.
Erotic desire is also regulated differently across Asia. Some religions, like Confucianism and Shintoism in China and Japan respectively, view it as natural and essential to human existence, whereas others treat it with suspicion or repressive attitudes. Confucianism emphasizes filial piety and respect, which includes refraining from adultery. Shintoism promotes purity and aesthetics, emphasizing rituals and ceremonies that involve cleanliness and modesty. On the other hand, Taoism considers erotic energy (Chi) an integral part of life that should be balanced through meditation and self-control. In Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Jainism, sexual pleasure is seen as a source of material desires that distract from spiritual enlightenment, so it must be controlled and directed towards procreation. Buddhists discourage overindulgence in all sensory pleasures, including sexual intercourse.
Intimate morality varies widely among Asian cultures, ranging from total restrictions to permissiveness.
In some Muslim countries, intimacy is strictly regulated by religious laws, with only spouses allowed to touch each other. In India, however, physical intimacy between couples is encouraged for married people but prohibited for unmarried individuals. The Japanese culture values privacy and personal space, while Chinese culture focuses on family relationships and collectivism. South Korean society places high importance on social status, with premarital sex being taboo in public settings but acceptable within private spaces.
Psychologically, these cultural norms can lead to various outcomes. Suppressing sexual urges may lead to frustration and resentment if not managed properly. People who grow up under strict regulations may feel guilt or shame when engaging in sexual activities outside their religion's teachings, causing emotional trauma.
Following societal expectations could also bring satisfaction if they align with one's own beliefs and values. Moreover, different cultures emphasize different aspects of intimacy, such as companionship versus passion, which affects how individuals perceive romantic relationships.
Understanding the cultural context of sex and erotic desire is essential to mental health and well-being.
How do Asian religions regulate premarital sexual behavior, erotic desire, and intimate morality, and what are the psychological outcomes?
Religions are often seen as having a significant impact on individual's sexual behaviors and attitudes due to their influence over social norms and values (Hosseinpour & Ebrahimi, 2016). This is especially true for some of the major Asian religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Zoroastrianism.