1
|
Mahar EA, Irving LH, Derovanesian A, Masterson A, Webster GD. Stigma Toward Consensual Non-Monogamy: Thematic Analysis and Minority Stress. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2024; 50:571-586. [PMID: 36461779 DOI: 10.1177/01461672221139086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Consensually non-monogamous (CNM) romantic and sexual relationships tend to be stigmatized. The present research examined this stigma across two studies. First, we qualitatively explored the specific ways that people in CNM relationships report experiencing stigma using thematic analysis and identified the following four themes: Expressions of discomfort/disapproval of CNM, Loss of resources/threatening behaviors, Character devaluation, and Relationship devaluation (Study 1; N = 372). Second, we examined the relationship between experienced stigma and psychological well-being for people in CNM relationships, using the framework of minority stress theory. We found that experienced stigma was positively associated with psychological distress and that this association was partially statistically mediated by anticipated stigma and internalized stigma (Study 2; N = 383). Overall, this research strives to achieve a better understanding of the processes and potential consequences of stigma toward CNM relationships and individuals.
Collapse
|
2
|
Levy E, Warner LM, Fleig L, Kaufman MR, Gidron Y. Associations Between Implicit and Explicit Condom Use Measures With Condom Use Barriers: Relationships Make A Difference. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231164334. [PMID: 36927133 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231164334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between explicit and implicit psychological measures might be affected by the similarity of the assessment method and by the overlap of the components of the constructs being assessed. This study examined the association between condom use barriers and explicit and implicit measurements of condom use and the moderating role of sexual intercourse in these associations. DESIGN This was a cross sectional correlational study. An analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial including 149 university students was included. MAIN MEASURES These included a questionnaire assessing condom use barriers, an implicit condom use test (a structured semi-projective test), and an explicit condom use question. Hierarchical regressions and correlations were examined in the full sample and by groups of participants with and without sexual intercourse. RESULTS In those without sexual intercourse, all barriers sub-scales were significantly and negatively correlated with implicit condom use and unrelated to explicit condom use. In contrast, among those engaged in sexual intercourse, barriers were significantly and negatively correlated with the explicit condom use measure, and only barriers concerning partner and motivation correlated with implicit condom use tendencies. CONCLUSION Having a sexual partner plays a major role in the relations between barriers and implicit and explicit condom use measures. The pattern of the results is discussed in relation to cognitive and social factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Einav Levy
- Department of Social Work, Ringgold: 54625Tel Hai College, Qiryat Shemona, Israel.,The Israeli School of Humanitarian Action, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lisa M Warner
- Department of Psychology, Ringgold: 381458MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Fleig
- Department of Psychology, Ringgold: 381458MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michelle R Kaufman
- Blomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Ringgold: 25802Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yori Gidron
- Department of Nursing, Ringgold: 26748Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
St Vil NM, Giles KN. Attitudes Toward and Willingness to Engage in Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) Among African Americans Who Have Never Engaged in CNM. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1823-1831. [PMID: 35230564 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Research on consensual non-monogamy (CNM) has largely focused on CNM behavior, while less attention has been given to attitudes toward and willingness to engage in CNM. Additionally, the study of CNM among African Americans is underexplored. Through an online survey study, we examined the correlates of attitudes toward and willingness to engage in CNM among African Americans who have never engaged in CNM, as attitudes and willingness provide insight into future behavior and stigmatization of CNM. We also assessed open-ended responses of reasons given for considering or not considering CNM engagement. A total of 904 African Americans between the ages of 18-40 participated in this study. Regressions were utilized to determine the correlates of attitudes toward and willingness to engage in CNM. Sexual orientation and gender were significant predictors of attitudes toward CNM. Age, sexual orientation, and gender were significant predictors of willingness to engage in CNM. Qualitative analyses revealed three themes among those who have considered engaging in CNM: (1) always been curious or had fantasies about trying a threesome, swinging, or open relationship, (2) thinks it would be fun, provides excitement, and can improve the relationship, and (3) would consider it under the right circumstances. Most participants reported never considering CNM engagement for the following reasons: (1) CNM is inconsistent with religious beliefs, morals, or values, (2) is just not for me, (3) it's the same as cheating, (4) committed to partner, (5) the belief that CNM increases risk of HIV/STIs, and (6) that CNM causes drama.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelle M St Vil
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, 645 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14260-1050, USA.
| | - Kelly N Giles
- Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sandbakken EM, Skrautvol A, Madsen OJ. ‘It’s my definition of a relationship, even though it doesn’t fit yours’: living in polyamorous relationships in a mononormative culture. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2021.1982755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ella Marie Sandbakken
- Department of Psychology, Bjorknes University College, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thompson AE, Moore EA, Haedtke K, Karst AT. Assessing Implicit Associations with Consensual Non-monogamy Among U.S. Early Emerging Adults: An Application of the Single-Target Implicit Association Test. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2813-2828. [PMID: 32297098 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that implicit and explicit attitudes toward consensual nonmonogamy (CNM; sexually and/or emotionally nonexclusive romantic relationships) are less favorable than those toward monogamy. Although this general pattern of results is often reported, it is not clear to what extent this implicit difference reflects negative associations with CNM. To investigate this issue, the current study assessed 355 U.S. early emerging adults' (89 men, 265 women, one gender nonconforming) implicit associations with CNM and monogamy using the Single-Target Implicit Association Test (ST-IAT). In addition, the convergent (using explicit measures), postdictive, and concurrent validity of the CNM ST-IAT was also investigated. The results revealed that although early emerging adults demonstrated a positive implicit association with monogamy (mean D score = 0.38), a neutral implicit association emerged for CNM (mean D score = 0.00). Additionally, young women and those without previous CNM experience demonstrated more negative implicit associations with CNM as compared to men and those with previous CNM experience. Finally, implicit associations with CNM predicted willingness to allow one's partner to participate in CNM, but not one's own interest in CNM. These results support previous research suggesting that a disparity in attitudes toward CNM and monogamy exists and provides further clarification reflecting positive implicit associations with monogamy and neutral associations with CNM. These results also confirm that monogamous relationships continue to be upheld as the ideal relationship structure in the U.S. and that educators/practitioners should work to reduce negative implicit bias toward CNM in an attempt to promote relationship equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Thompson
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 320 Bohannon Hall 1207, Ordean Court, Duluth, MN, 55812-3010, USA.
| | - Elle A Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, USA
| | - Kassie Haedtke
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, 320 Bohannon Hall 1207, Ordean Court, Duluth, MN, 55812-3010, USA
| | - Aaron T Karst
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Grunt-Mejer K, Chańska W. "How Do They Even Know They Love?" The Image of Polyamory in Polish Expert Discourse. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2829-2847. [PMID: 32725534 PMCID: PMC7641943 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01787-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The article presents the results of a thematic analysis of statements about polyamory made in the media by Polish psychology and sexology experts. The analysis was conducted on the basis of 20 pieces of material released in the Polish national press, radio, and television between July 2012 and October 2018. The results show that most of the analyzed experts approach polyamory with suspicion. In most cases, the decision to be in a polyamorous relationship is assessed very negatively, and in the eyes of the therapists it is evidence of psychological defects in people who make such attempts or it is seen as a harbinger of unfavorable outcomes for the relationship. This negative psychological evaluation is often accompanied by a strong moral assessment and a clear willingness to discourage society from this relationship model. The results show that representatives of psychology and medical sciences in the Polish media support and legitimize the social and moral order that promotes mono-normativity. The true reasons for the aforementioned negative assessment are hidden behind a veil of scientific objectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Grunt-Mejer
- The Faculty of Psychology and Law in Poznań, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 61-719, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Weronika Chańska
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vil NMS, Bay-Cheng LY, Ginn HG, Chen Z. Perceptions of monogamy, nonconsensual nonmonogamy and consensual nonmonogamy at the intersections of race and gender. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 24:1-16. [PMID: 32996411 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1817561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Given the historical entrenchment of racialised stereotypes of Black women and Black men as sexually promiscuous, we wondered whether consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) among Black partners would be seen as favourably as among white partners. We also wondered if Black participants would perceive different relationship types differently from white participants. We pursued these questions in a vignette study featuring heterosexual couples coded as Black or as white and engaged in three different relationship types: monogamy, nonconsensual nonmonogamy (NCNM) and CNM. To facilitate comparisons across race*gender intersections, we used a sample comprising equivalent numbers of Black women, white women, Black men and white men aged 18-40. Contrary to expectations, analyses did not offer evidence of a racialised sexual double standard insofar as participant perceptions of relationship quality did not differ when considering a Black couple or a white couple. Indicating the persistence of mononormativity, participants across race*gender subsamples perceived monogamous relationships to be of higher quality, regardless of the vignette couple's race. We also found Black women, Black men and white women perceived CNM more favourably than NCNM, while there was no differentiation between CNM and NCNM among white men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelle M St Vil
- School of Social Work, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Laina Y Bay-Cheng
- School of Social Work, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hannah G Ginn
- School of Social Work, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mogilski JK, Mitchell VE, Reeve SD, Donaldson SH, Nicolas SCA, Welling LLM. Life History and Multi-Partner Mating: A Novel Explanation for Moral Stigma Against Consensual Non-monogamy. Front Psychol 2020; 10:3033. [PMID: 32038399 PMCID: PMC6985779 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Life history theory (LHT) predicts that individuals vary in their sexual, reproductive, parental, familial, and social behavior according to the physical and social challenges imposed upon them throughout development. LHT provides a framework for understanding why non-monogamy may be the target of significant moral condemnation: individuals who habitually form multiple romantic or sexual partnerships may pursue riskier, more competitive interpersonal strategies that strain social cooperation. We compared several indices of life history (i.e., the Mini-K, the High-K Strategy Scale, pubertal timing, sociosexuality, disease avoidance, and risk-taking) between individuals practicing monogamous and consensually non-monogamous (CNM) romantic relationships. Across several measures, CNM individuals reported a faster life history strategy than monogamous individuals, and women in CNM relationships reported earlier pubertal development. CNM individuals also reported more social and ethical risk-taking, less aversion to germs, and greater interest in short-term mating (and less interest in long-term mating) than monogamous individuals. From these data, we discuss a model to explain how moral stigma toward non-monogamy evolved and how these attitudes may be mismatched to the modern environment. Specifically, we argue that the culture of sexual ethics that pervades contemporary CNM communities (e.g., polyamory, swinging) may attenuate risky interpersonal behaviors (e.g., violent intrasexual competition, retributive jealousy, partner/child abandonment, disease transmission) that are relatively more common among those who pursue multi-partner mating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin K. Mogilski
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, Walterboro, SC, United States
| | | | - Simon D. Reeve
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Sarah H. Donaldson
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States
| | | | - Lisa L. M. Welling
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grunt-Mejer K, Łyś A. They must be sick: consensual nonmonogamy through the eyes of psychotherapists. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2019.1670787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Łyś
- Department of Psychology, Warsaw University, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moors AC, Ryan W, Chopik WJ. Multiple loves: The effects of attachment with multiple concurrent romantic partners on relational functioning. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
11
|
Scoats R. ‘If there is no homo, there is no trio’: women’s experiences and expectations of MMF threesomes. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2018.1546766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Scoats
- Centre for Social Care, Health and Related Research, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|