New Zealand is a country located in the southern hemisphere, between Australia and Antarctica. It has a population of approximately five million people, with a high proportion of European ancestry. In terms of religion, Christianity is the most common belief system, followed by Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Maori spirituality. Marriage is a legally recognized institution for couples to express their love and commitment to each other, but many young adults choose to live together before marriage without formalizing it. Previous research suggests that premarital cohabitation may influence various aspects of sexual autonomy, erotic expression, relational negotiation, and intimacy satisfaction. This study aimed to examine these factors further.
The sample consisted of 100 participants aged 25-40 who were recruited through social media. All were in relationships lasting at least one year and residing together. Participants completed surveys regarding their attitudes towards sex, their level of sexual activity and satisfaction, the dynamics of their relationship, and their religious background. The survey items included multiple-choice questions, Likert scales, and open-ended responses. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Findings showed that New Zealand's religious norms regarding premarital cohabitation have varying effects on sexual autonomy, erotic expression, relational negotiation, and intimacy satisfaction. Participants who identified as Christians reported more conservative views on sex and fewer opportunities to explore their sexuality than those from other religions or none. They also had less frequent and satisfying sex lives due to guilt over premarital sex. Muslims and Hindus reported higher levels of sexual exploration and satisfaction, likely due to different cultural norms around dating and courtship. Buddhists and Maori spiritual practitioners also reported greater sexual freedom and satisfaction, although there were some differences between genders within each group.
Women reported lower sexual satisfaction than men regardless of religion, perhaps due to societal expectations of female modesty.
This study suggests that New Zealand's religious norms around premarital cohabitation influence various aspects of sexuality, including sexual autonomy, eroticism, relational communication, and intimacy satisfaction. Further research is needed to understand how these factors impact long-term relationships and overall wellbeing.
How do New Zealand religious norms regarding premarital cohabitation influence sexual autonomy, erotic expression, relational negotiation, and intimacy satisfaction?
New Zealand has seen increasing rates of premarital cohabitation over the years, with many couples choosing to live together before marriage. This trend has been influenced by various factors, including changes in social attitudes towards relationships, increased financial pressures on young people, and shifting gender roles within families. As a result, there have also been changes in religious norms around premarital cohabitation.