Married Regular Churchgoers Report More Frequent, Satisfying Sex, Study Finds

Married couples who regularly attend church services report having more frequent sex and greater sexual satisfaction than their less religious or non-religious counterparts, according to a new report from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS).

The study analyzed data from multiple sources, including the 2026 IFS Religion and Family Survey, the General Social Survey, and a survey of alumni from FOCUS, a Catholic campus ministry. The findings suggest a notable association between regular religious attendance and sexual well-being within marriage.

According to the report, 62% of regular churchgoers aged 20 to 54 reported having sex at least once a week, compared to 48% of nonreligious spouses. This trend persisted even after accounting for demographic differences.

In terms of sexual satisfaction, Catholics and Protestants who regularly attended religious services were more likely to rate their sex lives positively than those who attended less frequently or were religiously unaffiliated. Daily prayer was also linked to greater sexual satisfaction among married Catholics and Protestants, although it did not correlate with increased frequency of sexual activity.

The research also noted that individuals who viewed marriage as a permanent commitment tended to report both more frequent and more satisfying sex. This perspective, along with shared values, was strongly associated with overall marital quality.

Limitations of the study include its observational nature, which means it cannot establish a causal link between religious practice and improved marital or sexual outcomes. The authors also acknowledged that the self-reported nature of the data and potential unmeasured differences between religious and non-religious individuals could influence the results. Comparisons with the broader population may also be complicated by factors such as age and marriage length.

The study was funded by FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

Jessica Steinman, a licensed marriage and family therapist, commented on the findings, suggesting that active participation in religious life may foster a greater sense of connection between partners. She posited that shared spiritual or religious activities could lead to increased openness and vulnerability, potentially contributing to a more active sex life. Steinman also noted that religious rituals and traditions might play a role in strengthening marital bonds, with sexual intimacy potentially becoming a ritual in itself for some couples.

The findings emerge amidst discussions of a perceived "sex recession," where engagement in sexual intimacy has reportedly declined. Steinman advised couples to prioritize connection by disconnecting from digital devices and engaging in deeper communication, including discussions about sexual desires and intimacy.