Healing from Mormon Marital Sexual Dysfunction - Larissa & Jeff Kindred Pt. 3 | Ep. 1686

Addressing Mormon Marital Sexual Dysfunction: A Critical Examination

Marital sexual dysfunction stemming from religious teachings is not an issue unique to Mormonism, but the experiences of Larissa and Jeff Kindred reveal a particularly potent intersection of faith, sexuality, and personal growth. Their story, detailed in the Mormon Stories Podcast, underscores the deep-seated issues many Mormon couples face in harmonizing their religious beliefs with their intimate lives. Within the LDS Church, teachings around sexuality can often become entwined with feelings of guilt and shame, creating significant obstacles for marital intimacy.

Historical Context of Mormon Teachings on Sexuality

The LDS Church has long promoted chastity and a strict adherence to sexual purity before marriage, with sexual activities outside marriage deemed sinful. Such teachings coupled with the emphasis on family and procreation can place immense pressure on members. This can manifest in marital relationships where sexual intimacy becomes fraught with anxiety. Often, individuals within the Church internalize a narrative that frames sexuality as 'Satan's temptation,' leading to cycles of guilt and self-repression.

The Kindreds' account showcases the generational impact of these teachings. Raised in a religious context where any deviation from sexual norms carried the threat of social ostracization, many Mormons, like Jeff, develop an internalized fear of sexuality that persists into adulthood. This fear, compounded by misunderstandings and misinformation about sexual health, can culminate in marital discord.

Key Issues and Illustrative Evidence