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Internalized Consensual Non-Monogamy Negativity and Relationship Quality Among People Engaged in Polyamory, Swinging, and Open Relationships

  • Special Section: Consensual Non-Monogamy
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Abstract

Drawing on an internalized homonegativity and minority stress framework, the present study sought to address whether people engaged in consensual non-monogamy (CNM) internalize stigma toward their relationship style, and if internalized CNM negativity is associated with poorer relationship quality and functioning. We recruited a community sample of 339 people engaged in CNM (open, swinging, or polyamorous relationship) with at least two concurrent partners. Participants completed a newly developed measure of internalized CNM negativity (which assessed personal discomfort, social discomfort, and public identification) and four measures of relationship quality for each partner. Regression analyses showed that personal discomfort with CNM (e.g., wanting to change one’s relationship style or endorsing CNM as unnatural) was associated with lower satisfaction with romantic and sexual relationship agreements, global relationship satisfaction, and commitment (but not sexual satisfaction) in both concurrent relationships. The other two dimensions of internalized CNM negativity, social discomfort and public identification, were not related to relationship quality with either partner. These findings provide support for the notion that prevailing mononormativity (idealization of monogamy in society) can become applied to the self and negatively impact relationship quality. Understanding the processes in which broader societal stigma toward CNM can become internalized and affect well-being provides a new direction for research at the intersection of public health, psychology, and sexuality.

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Notes

  1. Over the past two decades, researchers have shifted from use of the term internalized homophobia (originally coined) to internalized homonegativity or internalized heterosexism to reflect the same psychological construct. Internalized homonegativity has also been referred to as internalized homophobia, a concept that has been criticized as being too narrowly focused on fear and avoidance of LBGQ individuals (e.g., Frost & Meyer, 2009; Herek, 1995, 2004).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Crean College of Health and Behavioral Science, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866, USA

    Amy C. Moors

  2. The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Amy C. Moors

  3. University Health Services, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Heath A. Schechinger

  4. Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, Canada

    Rhonda Balzarini

  5. Department of Psychology, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Sharon Flicker

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  1. Amy C. Moors
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  2. Heath A. Schechinger
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  4. Sharon Flicker
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Correspondence to Amy C. Moors.

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Moors, A., Schechinger, H., Balzarini, R. et al. Internalized Consensual Non-Monogamy Negativity and Relationship Quality Among People Engaged in Polyamory, Swinging, and Open Relationships. Arch Sex Behav 50, 1389–1400 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01885-7

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