I Kissed Shaming Goodbye: Mental Health Implications of Christian Purity Culture
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Date
2022-05-17Author
Stillman, Danielle Miriam
0000-0001-8718-8496
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**Please note that the full text is embargoed until 5/9/2024** ABSTRACT: This study investigates the impact of Christian “purity culture,” a particular variety of shame and guilt-based approach to sexual development, on the millennial generation. An emerging body of personal reminiscences and essays have been written about the experience of growing up as part of this culture and the damage that has resulted from the teachings impressed upon those born from 1981-1996 during their adolescence. The research introduces social work theory and recommendations for working with the population’s mental health treatment into the body of literature. Data was collected through qualitative methods of research in personal interviews conducted with the researcher to discern patterns of common experience within adults who were exposed to evangelical teachings on sex and intimacy. End results will contribute better understanding of the specific challenges facing those recovering from religious abuse, and create cultural fluency for practitioners not familiar with the fundamentalist beliefs that affected this particular cohort.