Introduction to the Special Section on Consensual Non-Monogamy

Hamilton, Lisa Dawn; Santis, Carm De; Thompson, Ashley E.

doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02055-z

Cited by 14 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…Although our sample was very diverse in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity, and reasonably so in terms of socioeconomic status, the sample was majority non-Latina/o/e White. Underrepresentation of participants of color in our study, as in the broader field of relationships science and in particular the study of CNM relationships, poses challenges for generalizability of our findings and the degree to which they may inform future research (Hamilton et al, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The broader fields of relationship and sexual science have shown growing interest in studying consensually non-monogamous relationships (Brewster et al, 2017; Hamilton et al, 2021). In CNM relationships, partners agree upon the extent to which engaging in multiple concurrent sexual and/or romantic relationships is allowed (Barker & Langdridge, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Characteristics of Relationship Agreements and Associations with Relationship Functioning Among People with Diverse Relationship Structures

Vilkin

2023

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

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Having a relationship agreement — a mutual understanding between partners regarding relationship and sexual behaviors both within and outside their relationship — has been linked with healthy relationship functioning. Yet research has been largely limited to sexual agreements among gay and bisexual men, with few studies regarding relationship agreement prevalence, types, and motivations among people of diverse sexual and gender identities and relationship types (e.g., polyamory, monogamy). This study sought to describe characteristics of and motivations for relationship agreements and examine associations between agreements and two metrics of relationship functioning: adaptive decision-making and satisfaction. In a cross-sectional online survey about sexuality, dating, and relationships among people of diverse sexual orientations, 722 U.S. participants ( M age 29.3, 48.9% cisgender women, 83.7% non-heterosexual, 34.9% monogamous) provided data regarding relationship agreements, decision-making, and satisfaction. Bivariate and regression analyses were used to examine individual and relational correlates of having an agreement as well as associations between agreements, deciding, and satisfaction. A large majority of participants ( N = 594, 82.3%) had a relationship agreement. Nearly two-thirds described their current relationship status as some form of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), with 41% having 2 or more current significant partners. Common reasons for making an agreement included building trust and honesty, protecting the relationship or partners’ feelings, managing expectations, and preventing HIV or STIs. Across participants, having an agreement — regardless of the type — was associated with higher scores on both satisfaction and decision making. Implications for couples/relationship researchers and therapists are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics of Relationship Agreements and Associations with Relationship Functioning Among People with Diverse Relationship Structures

Vilkin

2023

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

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“…CNM offers a framework to develop and sustain relationships that may be romantic, aromantic, sexual, non‐sexual, and/or focused on structural needs (e.g., housing, finances). Variations of CNM relationships can include the following: (1) open or “monogamish” relationships (i.e., dyadic partner relationships that are sexually non‐exclusive), (2) swinging (i.e., casual sexual interactions between multiple couples), (3) “relationship anarchy” (i.e., engaging in multiple equally prioritized relationships), and (4) polyamory (Hamilton et al, 2021).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A quad, sandclock, or web is a group of four or more people who are somehow intimately connected. This structure may be open, allowing for engagement in other relationships, or closed (Hamilton et al, 2021; Kauppi, 2022).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of emotionally focused therapy with polyamorous relationships

Edwards,

Allan,

Marzo

et al. 2023

Family Process

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Approximately 5% of people in the United States engage in some form of consensual non‐monogamy (CNM; Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2018, 47, 1439). Therapists are becoming increasingly aware of the need to treat members of CNM relationships, including polyamorous relationships. To date, no research has been conducted and little has been written about applying existing couple therapy models normed on heterosexual, cisgender, monogamous relationships to CNM or polyamorous relationships. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported treatment for relationship distress that offers promise for working with polyamorous relationships due to the model's systemic and attachment theoretical foundations. We propose EFT is an ideal model for working with polyamorous relationships because of the focus on externalizing, interpersonal and intrapersonal emotional and experiential coherence, and the attachment bond. Building and sustaining multiple attachment relationships allows for the fulfilment of a diverse range of relational needs and wants as well as provides a secure base for individual and relational exploration. In this article, we first provide general information about polyamory and discuss the research on attachment theory and polyamory. We then provide a step‐by‐step conceptualization of how EFT therapists can expand the model to include extra‐dyadic attachment relationships. In addition, we include specific ways in which the model would need to be adapted when working with polyamorous clients. We conclude with recommendations for EFT therapists working with polyamorous relationships.

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“…CNM represents a spectrum of relationship structures that can be both diverse and interconnected. There are potentially endless ways to structure a CNM relationship depending on the agreements between the participants, such as an open relationship, swinging, polyamory, monogamish (primarily monogamous, but may engage in casual CNM) (Hamilton et al., 2021), group sex, and others. The literature has focused on three main forms of CNM: swinging, open relationships, and polyamory.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘It's a magnifying glass for your relationship’: a thematic analysis of motivations, benefits, and challenges in consensually non‐monogamous relationships

Codrington,

du Plooy

2023

ANZ J of Family Therapy

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The last decade has seen an increase in public and academic interest in consensual non‐monogamy (CNM). CNM involves sexual and/or romantic relationships between multiple partners, with the consent of all individuals involved. Engagement in CNM is estimated at 5% of the general population, although due to stigma with the strong idealisation of monogamy in many cultures, it is a hidden population. This qualitative study explores the motivations, benefits, and challenges experienced in CNM relationships, an area that has been understudied despite the resurgence of interest in it. While previous research has mainly focused on comparisons between CNM and monogamy or individual types of CNM such as polyamory, this study seeks to provide a broader understanding of CNM relationships. We employ a critical realist framework and thematically analyse semi‐structured interviews with eight participants. The results identify three overarching themes: mononormativity and cultural norms; growth and responsibility; and diversity and complexity; each has several subthemes. These findings suggest that CNM provides opportunities for greater diversification of needs and increased community and individual growth. The study also highlights the challenges experienced in CNM relationships and the strategies used to manage them, such as personal responsibility for managing difficult emotions and temporarily closing a relationship at times for relationship security. A novel finding in this study is that some individuals involved in CNM have internalised cultural norms and the idealisation of monogamy and need to unlearn these norms. This study adds to the existing knowledge on CNM and is expected to be of interest to clinicians and researchers seeking to understand its motivations, benefits, and challenges. Relationship therapists will benefit from increased knowledge of how to work with clients interested or engaged in CNM relationships. Overall, this study supports previous findings that CNM is a viable, enjoyable, yet sometimes challenging type of relationship.

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Introduction to the Special Section on Consensual Non-Monogamy

Cited by 14 publications

References 63 publications

Characteristics of Relationship Agreements and Associations with Relationship Functioning Among People with Diverse Relationship Structures

Characteristics of Relationship Agreements and Associations with Relationship Functioning Among People with Diverse Relationship Structures

The use of emotionally focused therapy with polyamorous relationships

‘It's a magnifying glass for your relationship’: a thematic analysis of motivations, benefits, and challenges in consensually non‐monogamous relationships

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