Content area
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Interest in consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships—in which partners have explicitly agreed that pursuing other romantic or sexual partners is permitted—has grown both among the American public and among researchers and practitioners. Yet, little is known about the prevalence of CNM relationships or factors related to engagement in these relationships.
Recent Findings
In this review, we synthesize the past 5 years of research on CNM relationships to provide insight on (1) definitions of differing CNM relationships, (2) how many people are engaging in or have previously engaged in CNM relationships, and (3) which social identities and individual differences are associated with CNM engagement.
Summary
Engagement in CNM relationships has been linked to positive aspects of sexual health such as open conversations about sexual needs and risk, and greater condom use. Researchers and practitioners should further address perceptions of and approaches to relationships outside the standard of monogamy.
Details
1 Indiana University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Bloomington, USA (GRID:grid.411377.7) (ISNI:0000 0001 0790 959X); Indiana University, The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, USA (GRID:grid.411377.7) (ISNI:0000 0001 0790 959X)
2 Indiana University, The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, USA (GRID:grid.411377.7) (ISNI:0000 0001 0790 959X); Purdue University, Social Science Research and Evaluation, College of Engineering, West Lafayette, USA (GRID:grid.169077.e) (ISNI:0000 0004 1937 2197)
3 Indiana University, The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, USA (GRID:grid.411377.7) (ISNI:0000 0001 0790 959X)
4 Indiana University, The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, USA (GRID:grid.411377.7) (ISNI:0000 0001 0790 959X); Indiana University, Department of Gender Studies, Bloomington, USA (GRID:grid.411377.7) (ISNI:0000 0001 0790 959X)