Trying to understand who seeks open relationships: an evolutionary perspective

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Human Mating Strategies
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Monogamy is often idealized, yet humans utilize diverse mating strategies.
• Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) represents a less understood, yet prevalent, relationship structure.
• Understanding CNM from an adaptationist viewpoint is crucial for a comprehensive view of human mating.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a measure of consensual non-monogamy preferences (Open Relationship Questionnaire; ORQ).
• To investigate the relationship between CNM preferences and various psychological, relational, and life outcomes.
• To explore CNM as an adaptive mating strategy.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Open Relationship Questionnaire (ORQ) from an initial pool of 69 items.
• Factor analysis in Study 1 (n=271) identified four key dimensions of CNM perceptions and preferences.
• Validation and further correlational analyses in Study 2 (n=272) linking ORQ scores to personality traits, life history strategies, and demographic factors.

Main Results:

• Four factors emerged: negative perceptions toward CNM, emotional insecurity in open relationships, preferences for CNM, and discriminatory views of CNM.
• CNM preferences were significantly associated with the Dark Triad traits, life history strategies, mate value, sociosexuality, childhood maltreatment, and romantic love.
• The ORQ's internal structure was confirmed, and its relationship with childhood economic status and sexual fantasies was explored.

Conclusions:

• The Open Relationship Questionnaire (ORQ) provides a validated tool for assessing consensual non-monogamy preferences.
• CNM preferences are linked to a complex interplay of personality, developmental experiences, and relationship dynamics.
• This research offers novel insights into consensual non-monogamy as a distinct human mating strategy.