There has been increasing attention given to the phenomenon of premarital cohabitation, particularly among younger generations. This trend is being influenced by various factors such as the availability of contraception and changes in social norms surrounding marriage and relationships. Many studies have examined how this trend impacts sexual behavior and relationship outcomes, but less attention has been paid to its effects on religious attitudes towards these topics. In this essay, I will discuss how religious attitudes toward premarital cohabitation affect sexual experimentation, relational readiness, and partner selection among young adults.
It is important to define what is meant by "religious attitude." Religious attitudes can be broadly defined as beliefs, values, and practices related to religion, including those that are explicitly stated or implicitly held. These attitudes may include views on the role of religion in society, the nature of humanity's relationship to God, and the moral obligations individuals owe one another. They also encompass personal beliefs about ethics and morality, which often shape people's actions and decisions.
The influence of religious attitudes on sexual behavior has long been recognized, with research showing that religiosity is associated with lower rates of extramarital sex, fewer partners, and greater satisfaction with one's current partner (Brown et al., 2017).
Little is known about how religious attitudes towards premarital cohabitation specifically influence sexual behavior. Researchers have hypothesized that religious teachings regarding chastity prior to marriage would lead to a delay in engaging in sexual activity before marriage, but there is some evidence suggesting that couples who live together before marrying may actually engage in more risky sexual behaviors than those who do not (Kalmuss & Huston, 2005). It is possible that religious attitudes towards premarital cohabitation may influence the extent to which individuals engage in casual sex, or even whether they choose to remain abstinent until marriage.
Relational readiness refers to an individual's ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, including their level of commitment, communication skills, and emotional availability (Harris & Weigel, 2006). Research suggests that individuals with higher levels of relational readiness are more likely to be satisfied with their romantic partnerships and less likely to experience conflict (Harris & Weigel, 2006). There is some evidence that religious attitudes towards premarital cohabitation may affect relational readiness.
One study found that people who were taught that living together is wrong were less likely to exhibit characteristics such as empathy and compassion, while another found that religiosity was positively associated with relationship quality (Feldhahn & Larson, 2003; Pargament et al., 2004). This suggests that religious teachings about cohabitation may play a role in influencing relational readiness among young adults.
Partner selection is also influenced by religious attitudes, particularly when it comes to choosing a spouse. Many religions place emphasis on finding a partner who shares one's beliefs, values, and lifestyle choices, leading to the creation of "matching markets" where potential partners are chosen based on compatibility (Bradbury & Fincham, 1990). This process can lead to greater satisfaction and stability within the relationship (Waite, Gallagher, & Bumpass, 20008).
There is evidence that religious differences between partners can also be beneficial, leading to increased communication and flexibility (Pargament et al., 2004). It remains unclear how religious attitudes towards premarital cohabitation specifically impact this process, but it is possible that couples who live together prior to marriage may have more opportunities to get to know each other better, leading to a stronger match.
Research suggests that religious attitudes towards premarital cohabitation may influence sexual behavior, relational readiness, and partner selection among young adults. Further investigation into these relationships could provide valuable insights for practitioners working with individuals navigating these issues.
How do religious attitudes toward premarital cohabitation in Australia affect sexual experimentation, relational readiness, and partner selection among young adults?
The religious attitude towards premarital cohabitation in Australia influences young adults' sexual behaviors by shaping their perception of acceptable levels of intimacy and relationship statuses before marriage. This can impact their willingness to engage in sexual activity with partners outside of marriage and their openness to exploring new sexual experiences within a committed relationship.