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Differentiating Theists and Nontheists by Way of a Sampling of Self-Reported Sexual Thoughts and Behaviors Kelli Callahan Walden University

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Differentiating Theists and Nontheists by Way of a Sampling of Self-Reported Sexual Thoughts and Behaviors Kelli Callahan Walden University Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Differentiating Theists and Nontheists by way of a Sampling of Self-Reported Sexual Thoughts and Behaviors Kelli Callahan Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Quantitative Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Kelli K. Callahan has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Tracy Mallett, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Charles Diebold, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Patti Barrows, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract Differentiating Theists and Nontheists by way of a Sampling of Self-Reported Sexual Thoughts and Behaviors by Kelli K. Callahan MFS, National University, 1998 BA, Boise State University, 1995 BS, Boise State University, 1993 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August 2018 Abstract Numerous researchers have addressed the impact of individual religiosity or spirituality on psychological well-being. However, studies addressing the possible relationship between religiosity and sexuality, specifically in the form of deterrence of certain sexual thoughts or behaviors based upon religious dictates, remain sparse. Individual religiosity may be related to individual sexual self-expression. Built on the framework of cognitive- dissonance theory and self-determination theory, this quantitative, correlational study was designed to examine the relationships between religiosity and sexual attitudes and behaviors of both theist and nontheist population samples comprised of approximately 400 subjects throughout the United States. Study participants completed the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory in addition to a demographic questionnaire designed specifically for the research. A 2-step hierarchical binary logistic regression was performed to address the research questions for this study. Significance was found in the regression model for 3 selected variables--age, drive, and fantasy; research questions 1 and 2 were supported with the model findings. The results also offered support for the 2 aforementioned theoretical frameworks selected for this study. The implications for positive social change include a clearer understanding of the possible relationship between religiosity and sexuality and any differences in sexual behaviors between theists and nontheists. These implications are important in that the findings may result in healthier sex lives for individuals, increased communication among couples, enhanced acceptance of different sexual orientations, and decreased cognitive dissonance among those individuals contemplating or struggling with sexual behaviors that negate the teachings of their religious tenets. Differentiating Theists and Nontheists by way of a Sampling of Self-Reported Sexual Thoughts and Behaviors by Kelli K. Callahan MFS, National University, 1998 BA, Boise State University, 1995 BS, Boise State University, 1993 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August 2018 Dedication This research project is dedicated to Jane, Diane, Edmund, Rosalind, Alfred, Marie, Virginia, and Stephen. Thank you for the invaluable knowledge, lessons, and life mentorship. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge my dissertation committee members, most notably Dr. Tracey Mallett (chair) and Dr. Tom Diebold for their guidance and patience throughout this project. I would also like to acknowledge my family and friends for their ongoing support, cheerleading, and continual encouragement during this endeavor. I genuinely appreciate your patience despite my repeated declines of various social engagements in order to devote time to this research project. “It is paradoxical, yet true, to say, that the more we know, the more ignorant we become in the absolute sense, for it is only through enlightenment that we become conscious of our limitations. Precisely one of the most gratifying results of intellectual evolution is the continuous opening up of new and greater prospects.” - Nikola Tesla Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ...................................................................................1 Overview ........................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................5 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................8 Research Questions and Hypotheses .............................................................................9 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................10 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................11 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................12 Assumptions .................................................................................................................14 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................14 Limitations ...................................................................................................................15 Significance..................................................................................................................16 Ethical Considerations .................................................................................................18 Summary ......................................................................................................................18 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................20 Literature Search Strategy and Theoretical Foundation ..............................................20 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................22 Background ..................................................................................................................23 Contemporary Trends ............................................................................................24 Sexual Restrictions.................................................................................................26 i Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religiosity ...............................................................................32 Spirituality....................................................................................................................33 Religiosity, Ethnicity, and Culture...............................................................................35 Religious Fundamentalism...........................................................................................39 Benevolent Versus Aggressive Deities ........................................................................41 Religiosity ....................................................................................................................42 Sexual Behaviors ...................................................................................................42 Psychology .............................................................................................................45 Social Implications.................................................................................................48 Coping Mechanism ................................................................................................53 Sexuality and Guilt ......................................................................................................55 Homosexuality .......................................................................................................56 Compensatory Mechanism.....................................................................................57 High-Risk Sexual Behavior ...................................................................................58 Religiosity, Sexuality, and Gender Differences ...........................................................62 Adolescent Sexuality ...................................................................................................66 Religiosity ..............................................................................................................66
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