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

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. Lay Summary Highly religious families spoke about sexuality in five main ways: managing boundaries and rules around sex, purpose of sex, navigating culture and media, and concerns regarding children. When working with religious clients, clinicians can ask and understand, recognize religious dualities, and harness religious strengths.