This study explored how female college students' religiosity varied according to their
sexual behavior and attitudes. However, research is limited to showing that never-married
female college students who have a high degree of religious commitment are less likely to
engage in sexual intercourse without being in a committed relationship (Beckwith &
Morrow, 2005; Earle et al., 2007; Jessor & Jessor, 1975; Mahoney, 1980; Meier, 2003;
Robinson & Calhoun, 1983; Thornton & Camburn, 1989). Four hundred fifty-one
emerging adult female college students from a Midwestern university participated in this
study, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years old. Participants for the larger study completed an
online survey which asked for demographic information, sexual activity, sexual attitudes,
body image, and religiosity. An independent sample t-test was used to test whether there
was a statistical difference in religiosity between ( 1) participants who are or have been
sexually active, and (2) those who have not engaged in sexual activity. An independent
samples t-test was also used to test for statistical difference in religiosity between the types
of sexual activity ( e.g., anal sex, oral sex, and mutual masturbation) participants considered
to be "sex." It was found that women who did not engage in sexual activity were more
religious than those who engaged in sexual activity. Participants who believed oral sex or
mutual masturbation were sex did not differ significantly in religion; however, women who
did not consider anal sex to be sex were more religious while those who did consider it to
be sex were less religious. Religiosity and sexuality issues should be addressed in therapy
with this population in order to better understand the roles they play in regards to self views
and developing relationships
