Previous research suggests one in five United States (U.S.) adults will engage in consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) in their lifetime (Haupert et al., 2017). Despite a significant number of adults engaging in CNM relationships, there is considerable stigma regarding CNM status. Clients that identify as CNM are marginalized in the process of psychotherapy (Henrich & Trawinski, 2016; Kisler & Lock, 2019; Schechinger et al., 2018). One previous study found that one-third of clients who identify as consensually nonmonogamous reported experiencing inappropriate therapy practices (Schechinger et al., 2018). Inappropriate therapy practices included their therapist pathologizing their relationship structure or expressing judgmental attitudes around their CNM relationship. Clients who experienced inappropriate practices were significantly more likely to terminate therapy prematurely. The present study measures relational therapists’ (n = 775) attitudes, monogamism sensitivity, and knowledge regarding consensual nonmonogamy. Treatment practices when working with clients who identify as CNM were also explored through open-ended questions. A simple linear regression revealed that knowledge of CNM predicted favorable attitudes toward CNM. Furthermore, monogamism sensitivity strengthened the relationship between knowledge and attitudes. Specialized training was not significant in predicting knowledge of CNM or attitudes toward CNM. Thematic analysis revealed four categories related to working with CNM clients in therapy. These categories were general treatment, helpful practices, unhelpful practices, and perpetuating stigma. Results of both the qualitative and quantitative data analyses suggest relational therapy training programs should better prepare clinicians in working with clients who identify as consensually nonmonogamous. Specifically, in addressing how monogamism influences therapists ’clinical judgement.

Monogamy is recognized as a singularly accepted relationship construct within the United States. As a result, little is understood about alternative relationship constructs and those who choose them. Even less is understood regarding these practices among members of marginalized communities. Despite this lack of knowledge, there is evidence to suggest that approximately 4-5% of the United States population is engaged in some form of consensually nonmonogamous relationship pairing (a percentage comparable to the LGBTQAI community), and an estimated 25% of the population will engage in some form of consensual nonmonogamy over the course of their lifespan. This study looked to understand the lived experiences of African American men and women in married or cohabitating relationships who have participated in consensually nonmonogamous relationships with secondary partners. This qualitative study was conducted with 3 African American heteronormative married couples, using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and a combined theoretical framework which includes symbolic interactionism and queer theory. Study findings concluded that consensually nonmonogamous couples viewed consensual nonmonogamy as an orientation as opposed to a lived experience in which their primary relationship remained their priority. Emerging themes included rules related to consensual nonmonogamy, emotional regulation, stigma, and the intersectionality between race and sexuality. Implications for social change include reduced stigma related to nontraditional families, a more informed understanding of practices and experiences involving consensual nonmonogamy and the development of sociopolitical interventions, policy and advocacy, and positive and negative consequences of consensually nonmonogamous experiences.

No description available.

This study is an exploration of the relationship between polyamory and how polyamorous people communicate about their relationship dynamics. Drawing from six individual interviews and one focus group, the author compares key language that appears in previous research to the language created by the study participants. Utilizing grounded theory for the analysis, results indicate that the language choices of sexual identity, sexual orientation, and/or relationship model are not sufficient for singularly encompassing a poly experience. Findings indicate that individuals who identify under the umbrella of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) may use the term "polyamory" to describe their own relationship dynamic or to generally signify themselves as CNM. Participants defined "polyamory" as an ambiguous, general term that included relationships of ethical consent and romantic interest. Although participants lacked specialized language to describe their respective relationship dynamics, "polyamory" was used as a way of creating language and understanding around each relationship's dynamic.

No description available.