Contraceptive Nonconformity among Catholics

Meaningful differences between Catholics and non-Catholics as to contraceptive behavior are declining among the young. A survey of 412 white Catholic women aged 20-44 showed that 79% of the 18-24 age group were practicing methods of contraception prescribed by the Church. Use of proscribed contraception among these women was correlated with the following factors: 1) age; 2) number of children desired as related with present number of children; 3) level of religiosity; and 4) alienation as measured by social isolation meaningless and normlessness. These variables were tested singly and in combination. The number of actual children as related to desired family size was the most important variable in determining contraceptive behavior. Age amount of religiosity and alienation were all related to contraceptive behavior also.