Religiosity and Sexuality: Experiences of Brazilian Catholic Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of a group of Catholic women related to the orientations received from priests and parents and their influence on sexual attitudes. The oral history method was used to interview 17 Catholic women. Three categories summarize women's experiences: orientations about sexuality received from priests; lack of orientation or existence of open dialogue about sexuality: distinct experiences in the family context; adherence or repudiation; and distinct attitudes toward orientations received. Health professionals systematically should seek knowledge about women's religious principles, because this is essential for meaningful and ethical health care.

Factors associated with sexually transmitted infections in sugarcane cutters: subsidies to caring for*

“…Some studies have shown that practicing a religion reduces risk behaviors for STI by establishing behavioral norms for its followers (43)(44)(45) . In the present study, individuals who reported some religion presented lower positivity to STI, and this variable was negatively associated with these infections, reinforcing this hypothesis (46)(47) . to disease prevention and treatment (48)(49) .…”

Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, Volume 25

“…A previous study focused on Catholics (Hoga, Tibúrcio, Borges, & Reberte, 2010) described the advice regarding sexuality and contraceptive behaviors that women received from priests and parents. Catholic women also received advice to preserve virginity until marriage, to be a good girl and marry, and to have children only after marriage.…”

Family, religion, and sex education among women with vaginismus: A qualitative study

“…Assim, é importante que os profissionais da saúde, ao atenderem mulheres religiosas, verifiquem se suas escolhas são conscientes, provendo um espaço para elas refletirem sobre essa temática nos serviços de saúde (Hoga et al, 2010).…”

“…Em aspectos referentes à sexualidade, a figura paterna foi retratada como "fechada e brava", tendo a mãe a função de "porta-voz" das diretrizes do pai. O único pai que abor-dou essa questão foi o de P4, já que conversas sobre esse tema geralmente são realizadas entre mães e filhas (Hoga et al, 2010). No entanto, raramente ocorreram diálogos, e toda referência ao assunto foi tratada com conotação negativa e punitiva pelas famílias, não tendo caráter esclarecedor ou informativo.…”