Sexual guilt (original) (raw)

Sexual guilt is a negative emotional response associated with the feeling of anxiety, guilt or shame in relation to sexual activity. It is also known as “sexual shame”. It is linked with the negative social stigma and cultural expectations that are held towards sex as well as the historical religious opposition of all “immoral” sexual acts. Participation in sexual intercourse does not need to occur to experience sexual guilt, however, self sexual pleasure or sexual activities with others are major causes. Sexual guilt can also be felt by an individual who feels guilty about the idea of sex. Sexual guilt can be derived from the negative pressures placed upon individuals throughout a lifetime of parental messages or religious teachings surrounding sexual activity and expression.