Challenge the “monogamy myth”: Unknown people report on the relationships and sex lives they just spent

According to a comprehensive new meta-analysis, monogamous individuals report similar levels of satisfaction in both relationships and sex life.

This study, published in the Journal of Sex Research, denies the general belief that monogamous relationships, defined as the romantic and sexual commitment of monogamy, are inherently superior in fostering fulfilling relationships compared to alternative structures.

Monogamy has been a major type of relationship for most of recent Western history, but many individuals have chosen alternative structures. Non-unique include polyamory, which involves having a variety of consensus-based arrangements, such as open relationships in which the couple is romantic but maintains sexual exclusiveness, and several romantic relationships at the same time.

This study analyzed data from 35 studies involving 24,489 people in the US, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Italy and other countries, and found no significant differences in the level of relationships or sexual satisfaction between individuals in monogamy and non-single relationships.

“Monogamous relationships are often assumed to provide greater satisfaction, intimacy, commitment, passion and trust than non-exclusive.

“Our findings challenge this long-standing assumption outside of academia and provide further evidence that people who are in relationships with non-monogamous people experience similar levels of satisfaction as those who are monogamous.

“Our theory of why these findings occurred is perhaps what we argue, and we argue that they are the most common problems in relations, and certainly the most common factors in relational disruption.

“People in non-unique relationships often have agreements with their partners. This means that affair is not a factor related to their relationship, but it is a naturally heartbreaking experience for those in monogamous relationships.”

Subgroup analysis revealed consistent satisfaction among different demographics, including LGBTQ+ and heterosexual participants, and relationship satisfaction aspects such as trust, commitment, and intimacy, not a variety of consensus, such as open relationships and polyamory.

“Romantic and sexual satisfaction contributes greatly to our overall well-being. These results question some of the common misconceptions about non-monopoly. Despite findings demonstrating comparable satisfaction, people in non-monogamous relationships often face stigma, discrimination and barriers to access supportive health care and legal perceptions.

“What we see is that those non-unique relationships have great relationships and great sex despite the fact that relationships are being scrutinized in most societies, and that they experience discriminatory or biased treatments due to their relationship structures that are considered to be seen by standard.”

“This study highlights the need for a more comprehensive perspective on different relationship structures. Healthcare professionals, therapists, and policymakers need to recognize and support diverse relationship structures rather than assuming monogamy as a default or ideal.”

Limitations of this study include reliance on online sampling. This may reduce its representativeness and generalizability.

Furthermore, all studies used self-reported data, which could introduce bias in groups who experienced stigma and attempted to justify their choice. Furthermore, focusing on Western countries limits insight into unrealistic cultural perspectives.