Casual Sex and Mental Health: What the Research and Scripture Say

 

While intimate relationships are foundational to society, the framework in which they occur profoundly impacts our mental health and overall wellbeing. To understand this dynamic, Teleios conducted a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed medical literature from 1966 to 2019.

Analyzing 28 studies that each included at least 120 subjects, our report, The Effect of Early Sexual Activity on Mental Health, looked closely at how committed versus non-committed heterosexual relationships affect adolescents, college students, and young adults.

The findings offer a clear picture of how relationship dynamics shape our mental, emotional, and social lives. Full report can be found here: The effect of early sexual activity on mental health.

The Data: Casual Encounters vs. Committed Relationships

The medical literature revealed a consistent disadvantage for individuals engaging in early sexual debut, adolescent sex, hookups, and casual encounters compared to those in committed unmarried or married relationships.

The Impacts of Non-Committed Sex

• Mental Health Challenges: Strongly correlated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, suicidal ideation, and aggressive behavior, as well as feelings of regret and guilt.
• Reduced Satisfaction: Associated with lower levels of both general and sexual satisfaction within the relationship itself.
• Negative Social Behaviors: Linked to increased substance use, drug abuse, antisocial actions, risky sexual behavior, and a higher risk for physical and sexual abuse.

The Benefits of Commitment

In contrast, waiting until a baseline of commitment was established before initiating a sexual relationship was associated with:

• Better overall mental health and wellbeing.
• Enhanced communication, relationship stability, and partnership satisfaction.
• Higher sexual satisfaction and a more positive view of sexuality.

“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,” notes Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios. “In contrast, sex outside a committed relationship may be associated with many negative mental health effects.”

While these trends are distinct, further research is still needed to better differentiate the specific nuances of sexual wellbeing within married commitment versus non-married commitment.

The Biblical Perspective: Why Premarital Sex Disrupts God’s Design

If intimacy is meant to be a beautiful aspect of human life, why are the boundaries surrounding premarital sex so critical? God designed us and understands what best serves our emotional and spiritual health.

When sex occurs outside of marriage, it introduces several significant complications:

• 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 a 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.
• Premarital sex destroys the joyful habit of building a relationship with God as a couple because of the associated guilt and emotions surrounding coitus. The couple becomes consumed emotionally over the sexual act, whether it be guilt or the desire for more intimacy, and neglects building God or service to Him into their relationship.
• 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.

Cultivating biblical knowledge and faithfulness across your professional, emotional, and spiritual life requires patience. However, living a disciplined life aligned with Scripture yields boundless rewards.

Choosing to wait for marriage protects both your mind and body. It grants you the clarity to truthfully assess a potential life partner without the distorting lens of premature emotional intensity and guilt. Your choice of a spouse is far too important to be compromised by unnecessary distractions.

Thank you for reading. Join us next time as we continue to explore the practical, life-giving wisdom God provides through Scripture.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

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_______

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. 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.

The Power of Prayer Based on Scriptures

Prayer sits at the center of the Christian life. It connects you to God and helps you build a deeper relationship with Him. It guides you in your day-to-day life and can transform it.

What Research Reveals About Christian’s Prayer Habits

Teleios studied the prayer habits of adolescents and millennials through a survey shared on the Christian Instagram accounts InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures.

Out of 428 respondents, most were female (76%), <35 years old (77%), from the United States (54%), and evangelical (69%). The survey found that:

• Approximately 80% pray every day.
• Most people pray to express personal concerns (92%) and gratitude (91%).
• Many believe that the prayer topics the Bible emphasizes are about praise (87%) and thankfulness (86%).
• 93% prefer to pray at home and alone.
• 82% prefer praying at night (about 2/3 indicating morning or intermittent prayers throughout the day)
• 62% pray spontaneously, while 19% follow a structured or written list
• 77% believe that Christians should pray in faith, while about half each agreed that the Holy Spirit and Christ pray for believers.
• When praying for somebody else, 42% indicated that they keep the information confidential, and 40% pray for a while over time before stopping.
• 40% noted that native language should be used at least sometimes in praying, and 40% expressed that praying in tongues makes no difference. 20% believe that tongues should be used at least sometimes when praying.
• Interestingly, those who frequently praise God, especially in their native language, reported higher levels of well-being. This suggests that clear, heartfelt, and biblically grounded prayer can positively impact your Christian life.

All study results are found here.

Where Christians Need to Grow: The Gaps in Prayer Habits

While it’s good that the study found that many Christians pray daily, it also revealed gaps in understanding of biblical teachings on prayer. Generally, the participants lack knowledge of the following:

• The Holy Spirit and Christ intercede for believers.
• Christians should pray according to Scripture.
• God calls believers to pray for all people and government leaders.

This gap creates an opportunity for pastors and youth leaders to teach a more complete and powerful approach to prayer.

What the Bible Says About Prayer: Bridging the Gap

The Bible calls you to pray faithfully, frequently, and persistently. Through prayer, you can approach God with confidence and receive mercy in times of need (Hebrews 10:19–22).

What Should You Pray For?

Align your prayers with what glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:13,14, 15:7).

• Thankfulness for God’s blessings and others  (Philippians 1:3-4, Colossians 1:3)
• Praise to God is (Hebrews 13:15)
• Petitions for your needs and the needs of others (Philippians 4:6)

Follow a Scriptural Prayer Model

The apostle Paul provides 3 model prayers in which he emphasizes what God desiress for us to attain by our prayers, no matter the situation (Ephesians 1:15ff, 3:14ff; Colossians 1:9-15). His prayers focus on spiritual growth, asking God for:

• Knowledge of our salvation and the Bible
• Wisdom and understanding
• Hope and spiritual strength
• Awareness of God’s love
• Service to God
• Patience, joy, and perseverance

Trust That God Answers Prayer

God promises to answer your prayers when you ask according to His will (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15). To pray effectively, you must know the Scripture and align your requests with it.

How Prayer Improves Your Life

Prayer does more than connecting you to God. It transforms your wellbeing and your life because it:

• Releases stress and anxiety by casting your cares on God (1 Peter 5:7).
• Reminds you that you are not alone, as God listens and cares, and that the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself pray on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26,34).
• Encourages biblical thinking, helping you process challenges wisely
• Builds gratitude, shifting your focus from problems to blessings.
• Strengthens relationships, as praying for others softens your heart.
• Keeps life in perspective, reminding you of God’s greater purpose.

Prayer drives spiritual maturity as a Christian. It seeks God’s guidance, strengthens your faith, and anchors your life in truth, praise, and gratitude.

When you commit to a consistent and biblical prayer life, you don’t just talk to God—you grow, change, and experience deeper peace and purpose.

Start today. Pray with intention. Pray with faith. Let God change your life through prayer.

Join us again next time as we discover the truth and benefits of the Bible together.

William C. Stewart, MD

——

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com

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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice nor recommendation for any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. 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.

What is Discipleship

 

Thank you for visiting my blog. It is a privilege to share these insights with you, and I hope you find them encouraging. Teleios’ mission is to demonstrate the truth of the Bible through scientific research and to provide practical tools that build scriptural understanding and confidence.

 

Recently, we conducted a survey exploring how young Christian’s view Bible study and discipleship. We received responses from 822 participants:

• 25% were under 18;
• 55 % were between 18–30;
• Half lived outside the United States;
• 80% identified as evangelical; and
• 85% said they were saved by grace.

You can read the full findings here: https://teleiosresearch.com/what-are-young-christians-bible-study-habits/.

From this research, several fascinating themes emerged—especially around the question: What is discipleship?

 

🧭 How Young Christians Define Discipleship

 

The most common response (62%) was “seeking God the best way I know how.”

 

This is an interesting and heartfelt answer, but it differs from the historical and biblical meaning of discipleship.

Traditionally, a disciple is a learner or follower of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.

 

The Greek word used in the New Testament—mathētēs (μαθητής)—literally means a learner or pupil. Christ’s disciples learned directly from Him, and the New Testament gives additional examples such as Paul mentoring Timothy.

 

Biblically, then, discipleship implies direction, instruction, and guidance—not simply self‑directed spiritual effort.

 

👥 What Our Participants Chose Next

 

More aligned with the biblical definition, participants also selected:

• Being taught by a more mature Christian (50%)
• Being part of a small group (40%) 

Both can be effective when they are grounded in Scripture and led by someone who understands the Bible well.

 

Mentoring—our modern term for guided discipleship—remains especially valuable for young believers. It is difficult to navigate the Christian life efficiently without someone to help you begin well.

 

Less common responses included:

• Having a prayer partner (40%)
• Having an accountability partner (30%)

These can be helpful, but only when the partner is spiritually mature. When both individuals are young in the faith, it can become a “blind leading the blind” situation.

 

⚠️ A Word of Wisdom

 

Your time is precious. Seek out resources and mentors who can help you grow in biblical knowledge efficiently and faithfully. Strong guidance early in your Christian walk can help you serve God more effectively—and avoid avoidable pitfalls in career, family, and marriage.

 

Thank you again for reading. Join us next week as we explore more insights from Teleios research.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@teleiostiktok

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/teleiosresearch

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. 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.

 

 

How to speak fluent Christian

 

How we speak to each other is critical in living a godly life. Yet controlling our speech is quite difficult and rarely discussed.

 

Teleios Research recently evaluated adolescents and millennials regarding their speech. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 215 participants the majority were: female (52%), <30 years old (93%), from the United States (83%), and evangelical (68%). See full results here - How to use Christian speech.

 

The top 3 responses nicely show a strong minority, at least on a list provided by a survey, are cognizant of the need to help others with speech and to discuss our great God with others.

Not bad responses!

 

From a biblical standpoint, how do we speak “Christian” with each other? Like learning any language, it takes some discipline and training, but it is doable.

 

Fortunately, with biblical input and thinking, we will find it much easier to speak in a fashion that loves and encourages people as well as pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. 

Here are some hints how to speak effectively as a Christian:

• Consider first speech is not about you - Have you ever noticed that people generally talk about themselves, even at church? However, unless we really need someone else to bear our burdens (Galatians 6:2) speech should not be about us but about the other person (Ephesians 4:29). Biblical speech should address other people's needs. This is a huge transformation in thinking for many of us but it's an important first step to converse with others as God desires.
• Realize you have much to give – Remember, the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see the Teleios website for scientific proof). Therefore, when you are speaking scripture and its truth, commending, being thankful, and praising God, you are using your speech as a powerful tool to help others.
• Think before you speak – Prior to meeting with somebody consider specific ways you can express gratitude, commendation and encouragement. Planning ahead may not seem natural but if we don’t consider encouragement beforehand, generally it will not happen. Be specific in your commendation and thankfulness; the more precise the better. Spiritually, plan ways to encourage a friend or colleague in Christ, whether by discussing an applicable Bible verse, teaching other people (formally or informally), sharing answered prayed or even imparting the gospel if needed.  We are all busy, if we don’t consider positive biblical speech ahead of time, we generally won’t do it. 
• Build a solid relationship - This is vital as people need to know that you genuinely like and respect them. There are many books on the subject and perhaps the best starter is the classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. You can buy a cheap used copy (or download a copy) at Amazon. It is frightfully easy to read and apply. Get a copy and read it!
• Ask questions – If you do not know how to encourage someone then ask them questions or search their on-line presence!  People love to talk about themselves. The more questions you ask, and the deeper the follow-up questions, presented in an interested and genuine way, the more you will learn about your colleague, spouse, boss, friend or new acquaintance. They will think you are wonderful and the extra knowledge will help you better pray for them as well as help and encourage them.
• Build a solid spiritual relationship - This can be done by simply asking them about benign religious topics, progressing through such questions as: 
• Ask general questions about their life, family, or work. Follow up with more specific questions based on what they initially tell you. Show interest! Listen.
• Go deeper, ask “What do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian persecution?” Or “Does religion or the church help our culture?”
• Ask their opinion about a challenging Bible verse, or a difficult doctrine like baptism or predestination.
• Ask questions to help them based on everything that you have heard. Perhaps a question about the security of their salvation followed by an applicable verse such as in Ephesians 1:13-14 or 1 Peter 1:4-5. Perhaps they mention struggle in their marriage and so you could take them to Ephesians 5:20-32. 
• Final step, biblical speech – Use the information that you have gathered about a person to consider how to help them with your speech.
• How can you express specific commendation or thankfulness for them in their character or actions? 
• How can you encourage them in scripture? 
• How can you urge them to greater Christian growth or actions? 

 

Summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective, loving body of Christ. 

 

Thanks for joining me today. Meet me here again next time as we discuss the truth and joy of God’s word and how it helps us live a fruitful and godly life.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

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X - https://x.com/TeleiosTweets

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/teleiosresearch

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. 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.