Internalized Religious Surveillance and Bodily Self-Awareness During Moments of Erotic Closeness
Internalized religious surveillance refers to the tendency of individuals who have been raised in strict religious environments to apply the same level of scrutiny they would receive from their religious community when it comes to evaluating themselves and others around them. This means that they are constantly evaluating themselves according to religious standards, often leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and fear during moments of erotic closeness. The effects of internalized religious surveillance can be seen in various ways, including through bodily self-awareness.
When experiencing erotic closeness with another person, individuals with internalized religious surveillance may feel anxious about whether what they are doing is acceptable according to their faith. They may worry about being judged by their god or by others within their religious community for engaging in sexual activities outside of marriage or for exploring their own desires. As a result, they may become hyperaware of their bodies, feeling ashamed of certain parts or movements that they associate with sinfulness or impurity. This can lead to a lack of comfort and intimacy in physical interactions and an overall decrease in bodily self-awareness.
Individuals with internalized religious surveillance may also experience a loss of agency over their bodies during these moments. Instead of being able to fully immerse themselves in the experience, they may be preoccupied with thoughts of how they should behave or how they will be perceived by others. They may struggle to focus on the present moment and instead find themselves dwelling on past mistakes or future consequences. This can create barriers between partners, making it difficult to build trust and connection.
It's important to note that not all individuals raised in strict religious environments experience internalized religious surveillance. Some may have found healthy ways to navigate their faith and sexuality, while others may have rejected religion entirely.
For those who do experience this phenomenon, it can have a significant impact on their relationships and personal wellbeing. With proper support and therapy, however, it is possible to work through these issues and develop a more positive relationship with one's body and sexuality.
How does internalized religious surveillance influence bodily self-awareness during moments of erotic closeness?
Internalized religious surveillance can lead to feelings of guilt and shame during moments of intimacy which may affect one's ability to connect with their body and experience pleasure fully. It may cause individuals to feel that they are not worthy of experiencing physical closeness or that it is immoral, leading them to suppress any desire for sexual activity.