Heterosexual sexual activity is foundational to society as it allows for the continuation of humanity from one generation to the next. However, sexual relationships may impact mental health and wellbeing of the partners.Teleios recently reviewed scientific articles evaluating committed and non-committed heterosexual sexual relationships and their impact on mental health in adolescents, college students, and young adults. We searched the peer-reviewed medical literature from 1966 to present for studies including at least 120 subjects and identified 28 articles.
The review found a very consistent disadvantage of early sexual debut, adolescent sex, hookups, and casual sex compared to committed unmarried and married relationships. Specific mental health measures correlated with non-committed sex included: depression, suicidal ideation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, stress, loneliness, poor wellbeing, regret, and guilt.
Regarding the relationship itself, there was reduced general and sexual satisfaction in non-committed relationships. Non-committed sex was also associated with increased negative social behavior including: substance use, risky sexual behavior and risk for physical and sexual abuse, drug use and antisocial actions.
In contrast, waiting until at least some element of commitment was present before initiating sex was associated with better mental health, wellbeing, communication, relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, higher sexual satisfaction, and a more positive view of sexuality.
Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios, commented “Medical science clearly shows sex inside a committed relationship can benefit wellbeing and mental health over casual encounters because it fosters many positive relationship qualities such as: socialization, openness, confidence, encouragement, support, stability, satisfaction and sharing. In contrast, sex outside a committed relationship may be associated with many negative mental health effects.”
This review of medical scientific studies suggests casual sexual behaviors among adolescents, college students and adults are associated with many negative effects on relationships, wellbeing, mental health and lifestyle compared to unmarried or married committed sex.
More research is needed to better differentiate commitment with inside marriage versus non-marriage relationship and sexual wellbeing.
Sexual intercourse outside of marriage
So why is premarital sex such a bad thing when sex is meant to be so wonderful? Our wise God made us and knows what is best for us. Please consider the following reasons:
- Relationship confusion - When sex enters into a relationship at almost any level, as wonderful as it might seem for the moment, it confuses a person’s ability to evaluate objectively their partner for a deeper relationship or marriage. This is because sexual intimacy will cover a multitude of personality defects, at least temporarily. Premarital sex can lead to a faulty marital choice!!
- Someone gets hurt – As designed by God, sex is the ultimate act of commitment within marriage. Therefore, committing the physical act with only a partial emotional dedication between partners can produce feelings of guilt, shame and abuse.
- Stifles the relationship with God - From the outset, Christian couples need to build not only emotional love, but also Christian practices which should continue for a lifetime. This is vital, not only as a useful spiritual habit, but also to if potential partners are really obeying God.
- Inhibits God's goal in marriage - When sex becomes the goal it typically blocks a couple's ability to build a relationship with a mindset that marriage is evangelical in demonstrating to the world Christ’s love for His church (Ephesians 5:21-33).
- Medical issues - Of course, there are always complications to consider such as: an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease, some of which are difficult or impossible to cure.
Such discipline includes waiting for sex until marriage because it will keep you healthy in mind and body and allow you to truthfully evaluate a potential partner without the burden of overlying truth with emotions and guilt. Marital choice is too important to be distracted by anything that reduces your careful assessment of your future partner.
Thanks for joining me. Join us next time as we continue to discuss the wonderful ways that God helps us through scripture.
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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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