An engaged couple seek premarital counseling. A priority when assessing factors that might complicate their adjustment to marital sexual activity with each other would be:

Question

a. history of previous sexual activity
b. attitude toward engaging in psychotherapy
c. cultural or religious differences
d. age difference between 5 and 10 years

Answer 1

C
Cultural and religious differences are an area that may complicate adjustment to marital sexual activities between an engaged couple. Because different cultures and religions have differing views on what constitutes normal sexual activity between two people, a couple who come from differing cultures may have very different expectations on what their sex life will be like. Cultural differences regarding what sexual acts are considered normal and what are considered taboo, norms on birth control methods and practices, even the amount of sexual activity one of the partners may have had before marriage may cause challenges during the marriage if not addressed beforehand.