Consensual Non-monogamy from a Developmental Perspective

Abstract

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is an umbrella term for sexual, romantic, and/or intimate relationships involving more than two people, in which the non-monogamous aspect of these relationships is consented to by all people involved. Public awareness and incidence of CNM is growing, and there are many opportunities for research in this domain. This chapter addresses developmental factors in CNM relationships with a focus on swinging, polyamory, open relationships, and multipartner sex. There is very limited research on developmental components of CNM relationships, so we use existing relationship development theories to discuss where CNM may fit (or not) into the existing models. We also review the existing research on parenting and being raised in CNM families, specifically in polyamorous families. CNM relationships are commonly stigmatized and participating in these stigmatized relationship styles carries with it the risks associated with minority stress, but CNM relationships can also be a source of resilience. Recommendations are made for how to move research on the developmental aspects of CNM relationships forward. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)