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Sexual Attitudes, Erotophobia, and Sociosexual Orientation Differ Based on Relationship Orientation
Rhonda N Balzarini1, Erin J Shumlich1, Taylor Kohut1
1Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario.
Journal of Sex Research
|October 12, 2018
Summary
Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) individuals, particularly swingers, exhibit more permissive sexual attitudes and behaviors than monogamists. Differences also exist in erotophilia-erotophobia, highlighting variations across relationship orientations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human Sexuality
Background:
- Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) encompasses diverse relationship structures beyond traditional monogamy.
- Research on CNM is growing, yet specific differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors among distinct CNM orientations remain unclear.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for a comprehensive view of human sexuality and relationship dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether sexual attitudes, erotophobia-erotophilia, and sociosexuality differ across distinct consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) relationship orientations.
- To compare these traits between individuals in CNM relationships and those in monogamous relationships.
- To explore the nuances within CNM, specifically comparing open, polyamorous, and swinging orientations.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 641 individuals self-identified as monogamous, open, polyamorous, or swinging.
- Participants completed ratings for sexual attitudes, erotophobia-erotophilia (sexual approach/avoidance inclination), and sociosexuality.
- Statistical analysis compared these measures across the different relationship orientation groups.
Main Results:
- Swingers reported the most permissive and instrumental sexual attitudes, highest erotophilia, and most unrestricted sociosexuality.
- Monogamists scored lowest on these measures compared to CNM groups.
- No significant differences were found in attitudes toward communion or birth control across relationship orientations.
Conclusions:
- Distinct consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) orientations are associated with specific patterns of sexual attitudes and behaviors.
- Significant differences exist between CNM individuals and monogamous individuals regarding sexual permissiveness and sociosexuality.
- Findings underscore the importance of differentiating within CNM and comparing it to monogamy for a nuanced understanding of sexual diversity.
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