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"My First Threesome with Them Was a Religious Experience": A Mixed-Methods Study of Symbiosexual Experiences
1Human Sexuality Department, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA. sallywjohnston@gmail.com.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|February 21, 2025
Summary
Symbiosexual attraction, an attraction to the dynamics within relationships, is understudied. This research explores the unique sexual and relationship experiences of individuals attracted to couples, challenging existing stigma.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sexuality Studies
Background:
- Cultural norms privilege monosexuality and monogamy.
- Stigma exists within polyamory communities against those interested in relationships with couples.
- Symbiosexual attraction, attraction to relationship dynamics, is largely unrecognized and unvalidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sexual and romantic experiences of individuals with symbiosexual attraction.
- To examine engagement in non-monogamous, multi-person dynamics, particularly with couples.
- To address the lack of research and stigma surrounding this population.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods analysis of secondary data from The Pleasure Study (Harvey et al., 2023).
- Investigation of sexual and romantic experiences of individuals reporting symbiosexual attraction.
Main Results:
- Individuals with symbiosexual attraction engage in diverse non-monogamous relationship structures.
- Those involved with couples report unique, heightened experiences, both positive and negative.
- Findings highlight the variety of dynamics and challenges faced by this population.
Conclusions:
- This study addresses a significant gap in understanding symbiosexual attraction and related relationship dynamics.
- Findings challenge stigma within both mononormative culture and polyamorous communities.
- Validating these experiences can help individuals engage in relationships aligned with their desires and pleasure.
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