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Sexually open versus sexually exclusive marriage: A comparison of dyadic adjustment

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Abstract

In a study conducted in 1978, using Spanier's (1976) Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), couples in a sexually open marriage and couples in a sexually exclusive marriage were compared on dyadic adjustment. One hundred and thirty sexually open respondents were matched with 130 sexually exclusive respondents. It was found that there was no difference in response patterns between people in a sexually open marriage and those in a sexually exclusive marriage who were still living together with their spouses. On the other hand, persons who were no longer living together with their spouses, regardless of whether they were open or exclusive sexually, scored significantly lower on dyadic adjustment.

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The author gratefully acknowledges James R. Adams, Ph.D., for his part in the conduct of this research.

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Rubin, A.M. Sexually open versus sexually exclusive marriage: A comparison of dyadic adjustment. J Fam Econ Iss 5, 101–108 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01083247

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