Religion's Obsession With Female Purity

Claudine shares her eye-opening experiences at a Christian school—where girls were pressured to save their “gift” for marriage, facing intense scrutiny and psychological oppression.

This episode exposes the damaging consequences of purity culture: double standards for boys and girls, religious hypocrisy, and the policing of girls’ clothing.

Hear firsthand how these beliefs impact self-worth, relationships, and mental health, and join the conversation challenging patriarchal systems within religious communities. Perfect for those deconstructing faith or curious about how purity culture affects women today.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CogPod-Show

\\ RESOURCES //

Counseling and Therapy

Through the Valley Therapy (Christian-integrative approach):https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/post/healing-the-wounds-of-purity-culture-a-christian-integrative-therapist-s-perspective

Mindful Connection Counseling (trauma-informed faith recovery):https://mindfulconnectioncounseling.com/this-is-a-post-test

Sea Glass Counseling – EMDR for purity culture survivors:https://www.seaglassohio.com/therapytools/p/purity-culture-emdr-cognitions Clinical themes:https://www.seaglassohio.com/therapytools/p/purity-culture-clinical-themes

Support Communities & Survivor Groups

Tears of Eden (spiritual abuse survivor network):https://www.tearsofeden.org/purityculture

Purity Culture Survivors Support Group (Divorcing Religion):https://www.divorcing-religion.com/service-page/purity-culture-survivors-support-group Outreach and Sexual Health Recovery

Our Bodies Ourselves – Healing from purity culture:https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/unlearning-shame-relearning-pleasure-resources-on-healing-from-purity-culture

SafeTalk Therapy’s resources for recovering from purity culture:https://www.safetalktherapy.com/blog/top-8-resources-for-a-thriving-sex-life-after-purity-culture

\\ DEFINITIONS //

Cognitive Dissonance:

A psychological state in which a person experiences discomfort or tension from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values at the same time. This tension often motivates individuals to resolve the inconsistency, either by changing their beliefs or behaviors.

Cognitive Alignment:

A mental state where a person’s beliefs, attitudes, and actions are consistent and in harmony with each other, reducing internal conflict and promoting psychological comfort. Cognitive alignment is the opposite of cognitive dissonance, reflecting a well-integrated sense of self and worldview.

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