How sexuality and religion intersect in highly religious families: implications for clinicians

Rebecca W. Clarke, Chelom E. Leavitt, David B. Allsop, Loren D. Marks, David C. Dollahite

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using data from interviews with 198 highly religious Muslim, Christian, or Jewish families in the U.S., we investigated how religion informs sexual relationships, sexual practices, and sexual beliefs in family life. Guided by Marks’ method (2015), a team-based coding approach, participants’ comments about sexuality and sexual relationships were coded and organized into four themes that illuminated how religion and sexuality intersect among highly religious couples and families. Themes included (a) boundaries and rules around sex, (b) purpose of sex, (c) navigating culture and media, and (d) concerns regarding children. Implications for practitioners are discussed including understanding the most common ways sex and religion intersect in highly religious families, and the importance of asking clients to what degree their faith influences their sexual relationships, practices, and beliefs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)342-359
Number of pages18
JournalSexual and Relationship Therapy
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • couples therapy
  • family therapy
  • religion
  • religious dualities
  • sex therapy
  • sexuality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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