Purity Culture (for Men)

Purity culture teaches men to control their sexual desires as a sign of strength and spiritual leadership

• You must control your sexual desires to prove your strength and manliness.

• You are responsible for leading others, especially women, in purity and holiness.

• You need to fight against temptation every day like it’s a spiritual battle.

• You should join accountability groups to confess your struggles and stay accountable.

• You must avoid looking at or objectifying women, or you’re giving in to sin.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Shame or depression may result from internal conflict over sexual thoughts.

• Emotional isolation may emerge due to difficulty expressing vulnerability.

• Sexual functioning may be affected by anxiety or moral confusion.

• Intimacy may suffer due to unrealistic expectations or spiritualized performance.

• Addictive or secretive behaviors may develop under pressure to appear "pure."