As I write my book on recovering from purity culture, I was pleased to write this article for Sheila Wray Gregoire‘s blog on the long-lasting effects purity culture leaves in our bodies and lives.
Do you think purity culture is trauma? In this article, I share my perspective and experiences as a psychologist, Purity Culture Recovery Coach, and a Christian who grew up in purity culture myself.
“WE WERE THE POSTER CHILDREN FOR PURITY CULTURE.”
Megan and Kyle*, a couple I was seeing for therapy, were not the first ones to tell me this. They met in high school youth group and practiced courtship, even waiting to kiss until their wedding day.
They were a model couple in their church, held up as an example for other youth to follow.
Almost two decades into marriage, they still experienced painful sex, low sex drive, lack of sexual pleasure, and disappointment.
THEY ARE PURITY CULTURE SURVIVORS.
ARE YOU A PURITY CULTURE SURVIVOR?
Recently, I asked my social media audience two questions: if they consider purity culture to be trauma and if they would identify as a “purity culture survivor”.
Responses tended to fall into three main categories…
Find out their responses and read the full article at Bare Marriage!
* Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of clients.
Learn more about Coaching with Dr. Camden
