Alternatives to Monogamy Among Gay Male Couples in a Community Survey: Implications for Mental Health and Sexual Risk

Abstract

Researchers have documented the psychological and physical health benefits of being in a relationship among heterosexuals, although there has been limited research to examine such benefits among gay and bisexual men. Gay and bisexual men demonstrate considerable variety in the nature of their relationships, particularly in terms of the degree to which they are monogamous. In order to better understand the psychological and behavioral impact of same-sex relationships on the health of gay and bisexual men, demographic characteristics, psychological factors, sexual behavior, and substance use data were examined in a sample of 819 gay and bisexual men who self-identified as single (n=503) or were classified as being in monogamous (n=182), open (n=71) or monogamish (n=63) relationships. Monogamish relationships were those in which both men have agreed that any sexual activity with casual partners must happen when both members of the couple are present and involved (e.g., “threeways” or group sex). Findings indicated that being in a same-sex relationship had health benefits compared to being single among gay and bisexual men. Men in monogamous relationships reported the least amount of substance use compared to all other groups, and less substance use during sex than single men or men in open relationships. Men in monogamish relationships demonstrated psychological and sexual health benefits relative to single men and men in open relationships. Gay and bisexual men in monogamish relationships more closely resembled those in monogamous relationships, in terms of psychological and sexual health benefits, rather than men in open relationships, suggesting that varying forms of non-monogamy should be explored for their relevance to health behaviors.

Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Partner Concurrency Among Australian Gay Men Aged 18–39 Years

“…This finding is in contrast with outcomes from studies of heterosexual men and women, which have generally found no significant link between income and concurrency [28,39]. A recent study of relationship arrangements among gay men also found no link between income and whether men were in monogamous or non-monogamous relationships [13]. These studies, however, were conducted in the United States and there may be differences between the two countries.…”

“…In most studies, approximately 40-50% report being in a regular relationship [9][10][11], but many of these relationships are likely to be non-monogamous. For example, open relationships, whereby men negotiate agreements with their primary partner to allow one or both of them to have sex with other men, appear to be more common than among heterosexual men and women [12][13][14]. Gay men also account for the largest proportion of HIV infections in developed countries [15] and have disproportionately high rates of other STIs [16,17].…”

Australian Gay Men’s Satisfaction with Sexual Agreements: The Roles of Relationship Quality, Jealousy, and Monogamy Attitudes

“…Next, following a similar categorization scheme used in other research (Hosking, 2013;LaSala, 2004a), participants indicated which of three descriptions best described their current sexual agreement: closed ("It is NOT okay for you or your partner to have sexual contact with men outside your relationship"), threesome-only ("It is okay for you and your partner to have sexual contact with men outside your relationship, but ONLY in threesomes or groups that include BOTH of you"), or open ("It is okay for you and your partner to have sexual contact with men outside your relationship"). As mentioned earlier, the threesome-only category is referred to as "monogamish" (Parsons et al, 2011) throughout this article. There was no "other" response option for this question; however, an optional free response question allowed participants to provide further details or qualifications regarding their agreement.…”

Relationship Characteristics Differ Based on Use of Substances with Sex among an Urban Internet Sample of HIV-Discordant and HIV-Positive Male Couples

“…33 Other pieces of research have noted that MSM who reported being in a monogamous relationship were less likely to have used substances with sex compared to those who were either single or in some type of a nonmonogamous relationship. [32][33][34] Although these few studies provide some insight about male couples' use of substances (with sex), additional research with male couples is needed because: (1) substance use with sex is fairly common among MSM, (2) substance use and UAS are strongly correlated and may increase the likelihood of HIV acquisition, (3) substance use may impair adherence to ART among those living with HIV, (4) many US male couples practice UAS within their relationship 35,36 , and (5) between one and two thirds of MSM in the USA acquire HIV from their main partners while in a same-sex relationship (e.g., male couples). 37,38 Given the public health relevance for studying how substance use may affect male couples' health (e.g., HIV prevention and adherence), research is lacking on how dynamics of their relationships may be impacted by their use of substances with sex.…”