Married Couples Who Attend Church Regularly Report More Sex, Higher Satisfaction

Married couples who regularly attend church services report having more frequent sex and greater sexual satisfaction compared to those who attend less often or not at all, according to a report from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS).

The findings are based on an analysis of data from multiple surveys, including the 2026 IFS Religion and Family Survey, the General Social Survey, and a survey of FOCUS alumni. The research focused on married adults aged 18 to 54.

Among married adults aged 20 to 54, 62% of regular churchgoers reported having sex at least once a week, compared with 48% of nonreligious spouses. The association between regular church attendance and sexual frequency persisted even after accounting for demographic differences. Regularly attending Catholics reported particularly high levels of sexual frequency.

Beyond frequency, sexual satisfaction was also higher among regular church attendants. Catholics and Protestants who regularly attended services were more likely to rate their sex lives positively than those with less religious affiliation or no religious affiliation. Daily prayer was also linked to greater sexual satisfaction among married Catholics and Protestants, though not to increased sexual frequency.

Respondents who viewed marriage as a permanent commitment were more likely to report both frequent and satisfying sex. Shared values and the belief in marriage as a permanent commitment were strongly associated with overall marital quality.

Researchers acknowledged that the observational nature of the study means it cannot definitively establish that religious practice directly causes better marital or sexual outcomes. Differences in factors such as age and length of marriage were also noted as potential influences on the results. The study was funded by FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

Marriage and family therapist Jessica Steinman suggested that shared religious or spiritual life may foster a deeper connection between partners. "If they're showing up and looking at things outside themselves — things that are spiritual, things that are religious, things are having them look inward, things that are having them look into larger morals and values within their marriages and partnerships — I think they're going to possibly have happier marriages and partnerships," Steinman said. She added that this connection could lead to increased vulnerability and openness, contributing to a more active sex life.

Steinman also noted that religious settings often emphasize rituals and traditions, which can, in turn, make sexual intimacy a more integrated ritual within a partnership. The research also touches upon the broader trend described as a "sex recession," where sexual intimacy rates have reportedly declined.

Steinman advises couples to prioritize connecting with each other by reducing distractions from technology and focusing on deeper communication, including discussing sexual desires and connection.