Due to its complexity, there is no one universal explanation for how religion affects people's attitudes towards sex.
Research has shown that religious individuals tend to have more conservative views regarding sexual behavior than nonreligious individuals. In addition, some studies suggest that religious affiliation can also influence an individual's propensity for engaging in violent acts against others. Thus, it makes sense to explore how religiosity might moderate tendencies toward sexual aggression and what psychological processes may mediate this relationship.
The most commonly reported variables associated with aggressive sexual behavior are low self-esteem, impulsivity, and hostility. Religiosity could potentially mitigate these factors because belief systems often focus on personal morality and the cultivation of virtuous character traits such as humility, temperance, compassion, and patience. Accordingly, adherence to religious principles may provide individuals with a framework for developing a strong sense of personal identity and a feeling of belonging to a larger social group, which could reduce their need to seek validation from external sources like others' approval or affirmation. This increased sense of self-worth may then help them feel less inclined to act out violently when faced with perceived threats to their status or reputation.
Many religions emphasize the importance of controlling sexual desires through abstinence, chastity, and fidelity, which could lead believers to view sexual activity as sinful unless performed within the context of marriage. As a result, they may be less likely to engage in risky behaviors related to sex, such as unprotected intercourse or casual hookups, which could lower their risk of contracting diseases like HIV/AIDS or other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
Some research suggests that religious individuals may have higher levels of shame about sexuality than nonreligious people, leading them to avoid sexual situations altogether or seek out partners who share similar values.
It is possible that religiosity could increase aggression if it fosters feelings of guilt, anxiety, or anger over one's innate desire for pleasure.
Strict religious teachings about sin and punishment could create a sense of moral panic or fear of divine retribution, leading individuals to lash out at those who challenge their beliefs or attempt to break cultural taboos. It is also plausible that religious communities may encourage conformity and conformist behavior patterns, which can reinforce harmful stereotypes about women or minorities, increasing the likelihood of predatory behavior towards these groups.
In sum, while religion appears to play a complex role in moderating tendencies toward sexual aggression, more research is needed to fully understand how this relationship works and what psychological factors mediate its effects. Additional studies examining the interaction between gender, culture, and socioeconomic status would be particularly valuable in exploring these issues further.
How does individual religiosity moderate tendencies toward sexual aggression, and what psychological processes mediate this relationship?
While there is evidence that religious individuals are less likely than nonreligious individuals to endorse attitudes condoning sexual violence (e. g. , Furnham & Chamorro-Premuzic, 2014; Pargament et al. , 2009), the literature also suggests that the association between religiosity and lower rates of sexual aggression is complex and may depend on specific situational factors.