Changes in Religiosity After First Intercourse in the Transition to Adulthood

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Religious Studies

Background:

• Religiosity is known to delay sexual initiation.
• The relationship between religiosity and sexual behavior may be bidirectional.
• Limited research exists on how sexual activity influences religious development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in religiosity before and after first sexual intercourse among college students.
• To investigate the bidirectional relationship between sexual behavior and religious development.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study design.
• Multiphase growth curve modeling.
• Analysis of changes in religiosity (service attendance, perceived importance) in relation to first intercourse.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in religiosity were observed in the six months preceding first intercourse.
• A significant decrease in average service attendance and perceived religious importance occurred in the twelve months following first intercourse.
• Findings indicate sexual behavior influences religious development.

Conclusions:

• Sexual initiation impacts religious development during emerging adulthood.
• Future research should explore life events' influence on adolescent and emerging adult religious development.
• The impact of sexuality on religious trajectories warrants further investigation beyond typical health outcomes.