5 Misconceptions About Consensual Non-Monogamy

A 2023 nationally representative survey of 1,000 American adults conducted by YouGov inquired about people’s attitudes toward various forms of non-monogamy and found that most adults tend to view it negatively no matter what form it takes, from open relationships to swinging to polyamory. Why is consensual non-monogamy viewed in such a negative light? In part, it’s because people hold a lot of misconceptions about it. So let’s take a look at fact versus fiction when it comes to consensually non-monogamous relationships.

For today’s show, I am joined by Dr. Amy Moors, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Chapman University. Her research focuses on sexuality, consensually non-monogamous relationships, and LGBTQ+ issues. Amy has published more than 55 journal articles and book chapters, and has received several awards for her pioneering research on polyamory.

Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include:

• What do we know about who engages in consensual non-monogamy?
• What are the main reasons people pursue consensual non-monogamy?
• Are conflict and jealousy inevitable in consensual non-monogamous relationships?
• How do rates of STIs compare between monogamous and consensually non-monogamous persons?
• What does research say about parenting skills and families among consensually non-monogamous persons?

Find out more about Amy and the ONWARD Lab on her website, and be sure to follow Amy on Twitter @ACMoors.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.