Religiosity and Sexual Activity Among Older Adolescents

Authors

Richard Fehring, Marquette UniversityFollow
Kerry H. Cheever, Marquette University
Karyn German, Manor Health Care ServicesFollow
Connie Philpot, Marquette University

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

20 p.

Publication Date

12-1998

Publisher

Springer

Source Publication

Journal of Religion and Health

Source ISSN

0022-4197

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1023/A:1022985922445

Abstract

This study investigates religiosity, sexual activity, and sexual permissiveness among older adolescents. Eighty-two college students completed a survey that measured religiosity, sexual permissiveness, self-esteem, frequency of recent sexual encounters, and motivators for sexual activity or abstinence. Guilt, prayer, organized religious activity, and religious well-being predicted fewer sexual encounters. Orthodox beliefs, participation in organized religious activities, and highly-rated importance of faith predicted less permissive sexual attitudes. We conclude that guilt and religious activity can be good motivators for decreasing sexual encounters. We recommend that health practitioners encourage participation in religious activity among adolescents.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Religion and Health, Vol. 37, No. 3 (December 1998): 229-248. DOI. © 1998 Springer. Used with permission.

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Recommended Citation

Fehring, Richard; Cheever, Kerry H.; German, Karyn; and Philpot, Connie, "Religiosity and Sexual Activity Among Older Adolescents" (1998). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 31.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/31