Religious communities in Canada have traditionally held strict beliefs regarding premarital cohabitation that are based on their respective scriptures or teachings.
These beliefs can be challenging to adhere to in today's world where many individuals engage in premarital relationships before marriage. To reconcile these doctrinal prohibitions with lived experiences, religious leaders and community members may employ various strategies such as rationalization, compartmentalization, selective focus, and social support. These strategies can affect long-term relationship satisfaction and sexual intimacy, which can ultimately impact the individual's overall well-being. This essay will examine how religious communities in Canada psychologically reconcile doctrinal prohibitions against premarital cohabitation and its effects on long-term relationship satisfaction and sexual intimacy.
Reconciling doctrinal prohibitions against premarital cohabitation
One strategy used by religious communities in Canada to reconcile doctrinal prohibitions against premarital cohabitation is rationalization. Rationalization involves justifying behavior or feelings by using logical reasoning.
Some individuals may justify living together without being married by arguing that it helps them learn more about each other before making a lifelong commitment. Others may argue that it allows for financial stability while waiting for the right partner to come along. By rationalizing their actions, individuals can create a sense of consistency between their beliefs and behaviors, reducing the potential guilt or shame associated with breaking religious rules.
Another strategy used by religious communities is compartmentalization, which involves separating personal life from religious life. Individuals who live together before marriage may choose to keep this aspect of their lives separate from their religious community, attending church or synagogue separately. They may also avoid discussing their relationships with family or friends within their religious community, creating a dualistic existence where they have two distinct identities: one for religious purposes and another for personal ones.
Selective focus is yet another strategy used by religious communities to reconcile doctrinal prohibitions against premarital cohabitation. This involves choosing to focus on certain aspects of scripture or teaching while ignoring others.
Individuals may emphasize the importance of chastity outside of marriage but downplay the significance of premarital cohabitation. This approach can help individuals maintain their faith while engaging in non-conformist behavior.
Effects on long-term relationship satisfaction and sexual intimacy
These strategies employed by religious communities to psychologically reconcile doctrinal prohibitions against premarital cohabitation can have significant effects on long-term relationship satisfaction and sexual intimacy. Studies have shown that those who believe their religion's teachings conflict with their own personal experiences are more likely to experience lower levels of relationship satisfaction and intimacy. When individuals feel like they cannot be open about their relationships, it creates distance between them and their partners, leading to reduced communication and connection.
If guilt or shame associated with breaking religious rules persists, it can negatively impact sexual intimacy, reducing overall quality of life.