Polyamory, monoamory, and sexual fluidity: A longitudinal study of identity and sexual trajectories.

Abstract

Prior research has documented shifts in sexual orientation identity, attractions, and partnering behavior over time and social context, commonly referred to as sexual fluidity (Diamond, 2008). Social contextual factors may include relationship status and type of relationship, and these may be particularly salient in polyamorous communities where multiple relationships and some degree of fluidity are common. Also common, and potentially important for experiences of fluidity, are nonheteronormativities and nonmononormativities. This study aimed to explore the sexual trajectories (experiences of sexual identity, sexual attractions, and sexual and romantic partnering) over time in people of diverse relational identities and genders. A sample of 55 polyamorous or otherwise consensually nonmonogamous individuals and 61 monoamorous individuals completed online questionnaires regarding sexual identity, attractions, and partnering behaviors at two time points approximately 7 months apart. Relational identity had a number of implications for sexuality. Polyamorous individuals were more likely than monoamorous participants to identify their sexuality in nonpolar and nontraditional ways. Polyamorous women shifted attraction ratings over time at a higher rate than polyamorous men or monoamorous women or men, and differences in present and ideal attractions at Time 1 partially predicted these shifts. Results indicate the importance of relational identity alongside sexual identity and gender in sexuality research.

Sexual Attitudes, Erotophobia, and Sociosexual Orientation Differ Based on Relationship Orientation

“…A further complication is that individuals in CNM relationships may not necessarily identify with a specific relationship orientation because there is likely a degree of fluidity across these categories. Specifically, individuals may switch between relationship orientations (Manley, Diamond, & van Anders, 2015), or have relationships that do not necessarily fit within a specific category (e.g., someone who identifies as polyamorous may be in a relationship that more closely resembles an open relationship).…”

Preferences in Information Processing, Marginalized Identity, and Non-Monogamy: Understanding Factors in Suicide-Related Behavior among Members of the Alternative Sexuality Community

“…Importantly, compared to persons in monogamous relationships, non-monogamous-identifying persons are more likely to identify as a sexual orientation minority, be divorced, and make less money [33]. Likewise, non-monogamous persons are more likely to endorse the range of sexually diverse identities [34]. Such multiple marginalized identities raise the possibility of an elevated risk for suicide compared to those of monogamous relationship orientations.…”

Sexual Orientation Self-Concept Ambiguity: Scale Adaptation and Validation

“…Recent studies (Diamond, 2000, 2008, 2012; Galupo et al, 2014; Katz-Wise & Hyde, 2014; Ott et al, 2013; Savin-Williams, Joyner, & Rieger, 2012) provide evidence that women report high levels of variability over their lifetime with regard to both their sexual identity and the gender of their sexual and romantic partners. Recent work by Manley et al (2015) suggests that sexual fluidity is also evident among men, although not to the same extent as in women.…”