As early as 214 BC, there were already written records regarding sexual ethics. One of the earliest known documents was "The Book of Changes", which contained rules for marriages, including the prohibition of unchastity before marriage. Although these rules have since been revised and updated throughout history, they still play an important role in modern Chinese society. Today, most traditional Chinese religions have similar beliefs about premarital sex and how it affects sexual autonomy, relational negotiation, and formation of intimate bonds.
Sexual autonomy is often seen as a key component of a healthy relationship because it allows both partners to feel comfortable expressing their desires and needs without fear of judgment or rejection.
Many people from conservative religious backgrounds believe that premarital sex can lead to negative consequences such as guilt, shame, and spiritual damage. This viewpoint may create obstacles when negotiating relationships because couples may be hesitant to discuss their sexual preferences or fantasies for fear of upsetting their partner's belief system.
Some people may feel that sex outside of marriage is wrong and therefore cannot form an emotional bond with someone who has engaged in it.
Some studies suggest that having pre-marital sex does not necessarily hinder the development of intimacy between partners. A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that couples who had been sexually involved prior to marriage reported higher levels of commitment, trust, and satisfaction than those who waited until after marriage. Another study conducted by the University of California found that men who had premarital sex reported feeling more connected to their spouses later on. These findings indicate that there may be no clear link between premarital sex and future relationship outcomes.
Religion plays a significant role in shaping attitudes toward premarital sex among Chinese individuals. While traditional views may make negotiating relationships challenging, research suggests that engaging in premarital sex does not always lead to negative outcomes down the line.
Each individual must decide what works best for them based on their personal values and beliefs.
How do Chinese religious attitudes toward pre-marital sexual activity affect sexual autonomy, relational negotiation, and formation of intimate bonds?
According to a 2017 study conducted by Jiang et al. , there are distinct differences between sexually conservative and liberal Chinese youth regarding their sexual attitudes and behaviors, which can be attributed to different cultural values surrounding sexuality.