Religious Trauma: The Persistence of Purity Culture

Recording of Caroline Winzenried's address to the Ex-Religious Support Network on 22 September 2021.
'Religious Trauma Syndrome' (RTS) manifests itself in a variety of ways and for different reasons. In this session, professional counsellor, Caroline Winzenried, reveals how "purity culture" began as a movement within the American evangelical Christian community, starting in the 90s, and places a strong moral emphasis on abstinence until marriage. Since then, it has spread to several countries and denominations around the world. She discusses this pervasive form of RTS and the impact of its teachings on intimacy, sexual identity and self-esteem.