The Unblemished Children of God: Links Between Purity Culture, Autonomy, and Shame

Abstract

This study sought to identify links between purity culture, shame, and autonomy utilizing the framework of the social belongingness theory (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). To assess these links, participants between the ages of 18-25 (N=62) completed an online survey measuring endorsement of purity culture narratives across their lifetime, current endorsement of purity culture narratives, external shame, internal shame, and autonomy. As hypothesized, regression analyses revealed associations between lifetime endorsement of purity culture narratives and increased internal shame. Additionally, regression analyses indicated associations between increased autonomy and decreased internal shame, aligning with this study’s hypothesis. No additional associations were found. Results suggest that internal shame may arise from dissonance between one’s personal beliefs and one’s schema for maintaining connection and community. Further, developing a person’s sense of autonomy may effectively reduce this internal shame by increasing a person’s ability to act in accordance with values that reflect their true self. Suggestions are offered for clinicians engaging in therapeutic work with clients experiencing internal shame relating to lifetime purity culture adherence, including the utilization of techniques aimed at bolstering client autonomy.