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The Who and Why of Consensual Nonmonogamy Among African Americans

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Abstract

Prevalence rates of consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) demonstrate little difference across race. Yet, not much is known about CNM among African Americans. Through an online survey study, we examined the correlates of CNM among African Americans as well as the reasons why they engage. A total of 1050 African Americans between the ages of 18–40 years participated in this study. Binomial logistic regression was utilized to determine the correlates of CNM. Sexual orientation was the only significant predictor of CNM. The following variables were nonsignificant predictors of CNM: age, gender, household income, religiosity, and education. Qualitative analysis revealed several reasons for CNM engagement: (1) belief that it is natural; (2) excitement; (3) not meant for each other; (4) scared of losing partner; (5) bisexuality; (6) does not want commitment; and (7) maintain honesty, trust, and integrity. This study adds to the sparse knowledge base of CNM among African Americans.

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Funding

Funding was provided by Les Brun Pilot Funding, Buffalo Center for Social Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, 645 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14260-1050, USA

    Noelle M. St. Vil

  2. School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

    Natalie M. Leblanc

  3. Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA

    Kelly N. Giles

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  1. Noelle M. St. Vil
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  2. Natalie M. Leblanc
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  3. Kelly N. Giles
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Correspondence to Noelle M. St. Vil.

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This study was approved by University at Buffalo’s Institutional Review Board. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional review board.

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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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St. Vil, N.M., Leblanc, N.M. & Giles, K.N. The Who and Why of Consensual Nonmonogamy Among African Americans. Arch Sex Behav 50, 1143–1150 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01835-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01835-3

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