The concept of sexual intercourse is an integral part of human life that has been studied extensively by psychologists from various perspectives.
It is necessary to understand how different factors impact human behavior during this process, including religious beliefs. Many religions have strict guidelines about premarital sex, which can affect how individuals make decisions regarding their sexual activities. While some religions promote abstinence until marriage, others are more liberal and allow members to engage in sexual intercourse before getting married.
Islam teaches Muslims to avoid adultery, masturbation, homosexuality, and fornication and encourages them to marry and have children after reaching puberty (Al-Tahar, 2016). Thus, it is crucial to examine how religion influences sexual decision-making and anxiety among believers.
One way that religion can influence sexual decision-making is through its prohibitions against contraception. Contraceptive methods prevent pregnancy by blocking fertilization or impeding implantation of the embryo in the uterus (Ferris & Olson, 2009).
Many religions consider these practices immoral since they separate procreation from sex and lead to casual relationships. The Catholic Church considers abortion a grave sin while frowning upon contraception, which leads to millions of unwanted pregnancies worldwide (Catholic Answers, 2022). Hence, many Catholics do not use any form of birth control when having sexual intercourse with their partners. As such, they risk unplanned pregnancies, health complications like STIs and HIV/AIDS, as well as psychological trauma if the partner is promiscuous. This situation causes stress and anxiety because couples cannot plan their families properly due to the lack of reliable contraceptives. It also affects marital satisfaction since some women may not be ready to bear children yet or already have large families.
Religious beliefs can impact individuals' decision-making processes regarding sex during marriage. Many religions discourage spouses from engaging in sexual activities outside the bedroom, which can lead to anxiety when they want to experiment.
Islam allows Muslims to indulge in sexual pleasure within marriage only; otherwise, it amounts to adultery (Al-Tahar, 2016). Therefore, married individuals must be cautious about what pleasures they explore with their partners to avoid transgressing religious laws. Some religions permit only missionary positioning, leaving couples limited options for trying out new positions. They must follow strict guidelines on the frequency of sexual intercourse and its purpose, which can cause anxiety among those who crave intimacy with their spouse. These limitations restrict how freely a couple can express their love and passion, leading to frustration and resentment. In addition, many individuals struggle with anxiety disorders related to sex, including performance issues, body image concerns, and sexual dysfunction, which are exacerbated by religious prohibitions on contraception.
Religion plays an essential role in shaping human behavior during sexual activities, including decision-making and anxiety levels. Religions that forbid premarital sex encourage abstinence until marriage but limit couples' freedom to explore different positions and techniques. Prohibitions against contraceptives can lead to unplanned pregnancies, health complications, psychological trauma, marital dissatisfaction, and anxiety disorders. It is critical for people to understand the implications of religious beliefs on sexuality to make informed decisions regarding family planning and relationships.
In what ways do religious prohibitions on contraception influence sexual decision-making and anxiety?
Although there are various factors that influence sexual decision-making, such as personal preferences, peer pressure, cultural norms, and individual values, studies have shown that religious beliefs play an important role in shaping sexual behavior. Religious prohibitions against contraception can create feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety in individuals who engage in sexual activity outside of marriage.