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Initial Motivations for Engaging in Polyamorous Relationships

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Abstract

Polyamory is a relationship style in which partners consensually agree to engage in sexual and/or emotional relationships with concurrent partners. Compared with other forms of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), polyamory practitioners tend to report greater relationship satisfaction and less jealousy. However, the unique motivations leading people to engage with polyamory are less understood. Previous research has examined motivations for engaging in CNM relationship styles, in general, but no research has focused exclusively on the motivations of polyamory practitioners. The present study draws on the open-ended responses of 63 U.S. American adults who reported previous or current engagement in at least one consensually polyamorous relationship. Thematic analyses revealed four themes guiding participants’ initial motivations for polyamory engagement: values alignment, relationship factors, external triggers, and sexuality. The study’s themes are discussed in the context of self-determination theory and situated in the existing body of CNM and polyamory research. Directions for future research provide next steps for examining outcomes associated with specific polyamory motivations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Danielle Davis, Robyn Fisher, Dr. Jerrell Cassidy, and BSU’s Research Design Studio for their assistance with the coding process.

Funding

This project was supported by a start-up package provided by Ball State University’s Office of the Provost.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology, and Counseling, Ball State University, 1613 W Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN, 47303, USA

    Alexander K. Tatum

  2. Department of Psychology, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Sharon M. Flicker

  3. Shapiro+Raj, Chicago, IL, USA

    Imara Peralta

  4. Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    R. J. Kubicki

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  1. Alexander K. Tatum
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  2. Sharon M. Flicker
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Correspondence to Alexander K. Tatum.

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Tatum, A.K., Flicker, S.M., Peralta, I. et al. Initial Motivations for Engaging in Polyamorous Relationships. Arch Sex Behav 53, 629–644 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-023-02750-z

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