New research published in July 2025 has found that voluntary celibacy—choosing to abstain from sexual activity for personal, cultural, or psychological reasons—has become notably common, especially among women. The study, highlighted by Psychology Today, offers a fresh look at shifting sexual behaviors and attitudes in contemporary society.
Celibacy is often assumed to be rare in the age of dating apps and sex-positivity movements, but the new findings challenge this stereotype. In recent years, changes in societal values, evolving gender dynamics, and personal considerations about health and well-being have contributed to a marked increase in voluntary sexual abstention, particularly among women. The implications stretch beyond individual choices, touching on issues ranging from mental health to relationship expectations in Thailand and around the world.
According to data drawn from multiple population surveys and expert analyses referenced in the Psychology Today article, large segments of adults—especially women—report deliberately choosing to take a break from sex for weeks, months, or longer. For some, these breaks are motivated by the desire for personal growth or reconnection with spiritual or religious values. For others, negative past experiences, overwhelming social pressures, or a simple lack of desire influence their decision. While the stereotype of enforced abstinence persists in popular culture, the new research highlights intentional, self-directed decisions to remain celibate.
Psychologists interviewed for the study suggest that voluntary celibacy reflects broader social and psychological trends. “People are increasingly aware of the connection between intimacy, mental health, and personal agency,” stated a clinical psychologist contributing to the international survey. “Women in particular may find empowerment in setting clear boundaries around their sexual lives, especially in cultures where traditional expectations often prioritize men’s needs or external appearances.” This aligns with research from the World Health Organization, which emphasizes that sexual health is not simply the absence of disease but the ability to have a safe, satisfying, and consensual sexual life—or to choose not to have one at all (WHO Sexual Health).
In the Thai context, voluntary celibacy is shaped by intersecting influences: Buddhist values that sometimes elevate chastity as a spiritual virtue, ongoing gender negotiation in a rapidly globalizing society, and concerns about health—ranging from fear of sexually transmitted infections to anxieties about pregnancy. Historical data from a 2022 Thai National Health Examination Survey suggests a significant portion of Thai youth and adults engage in periods of abstinence, either by choice or circumstance (NHES V Thailand). This can be especially visible among university students and urban professionals, groups that report increased stress, shifting relationship goals, and changing lifestyles. For older adults, voluntary celibacy is sometimes associated with widowhood or religious devotion, echoing deeper cultural traditions.
Sociologists also emphasize that discussions around celibacy must avoid pathologizing those who do not engage in sexual activity. “We have to move beyond viewing sexual abstinence as a marker of dysfunction,” notes a gender studies academic at a leading Bangkok university. “In fact, choosing celibacy can be a positive assertion of autonomy, especially in societies where women often face conflicting messages about sex and purity.” Public discourse in Thailand often links sexual abstention to virtue—particularly for women—but experts warn that this can reinforce gendered stereotypes and create pressure for conformity, rather than healthy agency.
Globally, recent trends tracked by the Pew Research Center and other institutions show increases in sexual inactivity across numerous countries—not just Thailand. Data from the United States and Japan indicate that large proportions of young adults report no sexual activity in the past year, with reasons varying from lack of interest to pursuit of career goals. In both contexts, women are slightly more likely than men to opt for celibacy, echoing the key finding of the 2025 study. Researchers suggest that the normalization of celibacy may help people set healthy, self-determined boundaries, particularly in the age of social media and digital relationships, where intimacy is constantly under negotiation.
For Thai society, the rise in voluntary celibacy invites reflection on how families, schools, and health institutions discuss sex, relationships, and personal choice. There is evidence that open communication about sexual health—and the option to abstain—can enhance well-being and reduce stigma (UNFPA Thailand). While abstinence-only education has limitations, experts argue that normalizing periods of celibacy as part of the spectrum of sexual health is critical, especially for youth navigating complex expectations.
Looking forward, experts predict that voluntary celibacy will continue to be a feature of modern life, especially as women pursue greater autonomy, prioritize mental and physical health, and challenge traditional norms. Policymakers and health professionals in Thailand have the opportunity to update sexual education frameworks, ensuring they respect both sexual expression and chosen abstention. “True sexual health means supporting all choices—including the decision to take a break,” says a representative from the Thai Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Health Promotion.
For Thai readers, the key takeaway is to recognize the legitimacy and value of self-determined choices about sexuality, whether that means embracing intimacy or opting for celibacy at different life stages. Open conversations with partners, friends, and health professionals can help reduce stigma and foster environments where all individuals—especially women—feel empowered. Families and educators are encouraged to model respect for diversity in sexual choices and provide accurate information about health, consent, and emotional well-being. For those contemplating or practicing voluntary celibacy, connecting with support groups, mindfulness communities, or health counselors can be a fruitful way to reinforce positive boundaries and self-worth.
For further reading and expert commentary, see “How Many People Are Taking a Break from Sex?” on Psychology Today, the World Health Organization’s Sexual Health pages, and recent Thai health data (NHES V Thailand).