Stigma Toward Individuals Engaged in Consensual Nonmonogamy: Robust and Worthy of Additional Research

Abstract

In our target article, "The Fewer the Merrier: Assessing Stigma Surrounding Consensual Nonmonogamous Relationships," we documented a robust stigma toward consensual nonmonogamous relationships and a halo surrounding monogamous relationships. In the present piece, we respond to six commentaries of our target article with the aim of promoting future research and policy change. First, we address questions and concerns raised by commentators using existing data and found that regardless of perceived relationship happiness, sexual orientation, or gender (of experimental targets), individuals in consensual nonmonogamous relationships were more negatively viewed on a variety of qualities (both relationship-specific and nonrelationship specific) compared to those in monogamous relationships. Second, we suggest productive future research avenues with regards to implications for social change, and strengthening methodology used in consensual nonmonogamous research. Finally, we consider common ground among the commentators as an avenue to promote coalition building through the examinations of prejudice toward individuals in nonnormative romantic relationships. We conclude that this is only the beginning of a fruitful line of research and argue that the stigma toward departures from monogamy is robust and, of course, worthy of additional research.

“We Agree and Now Everything Goes My Way”: Consensual Sexual Nonmonogamy, Extradyadic Sex, and Relationship Satisfaction

“…Our findings are also important to help deconstruct the stigma surrounding SNMR and the negative perceptions associated with individuals that deliberately agree on alternative forms of romantic relationships. 55,56 …”

Around Consensual Nonmonogamies: Assessing Attitudes Toward Nonexclusive Relationships

“…Moors et al (2013) urged researchers to examine ''the unique predictors of stigma associated with consensually non-monogamous relationships'' (p. 63). In other words, it is necessary to isolate the norms that are being broken by different relationship styles and examine their relative impact.…”

Re-examining the effectiveness of monogamy as an STI-preventive strategy

“…One assumption might be that the continued spread of STIs results from the public's lack of awareness of the health benefits of a monogamous lifestyle. However, recent research indicates that monogamous relationships are overwhelmingly perceived by the public to prevent the spread of STIs (Conley et al, 2012a;Stevens, 1994;Moors et al, 2013;Aral and Leichliter, 2010;Markham et al, 2009;Helweg-Larsen and Collins, 1997). As such, the public recognizes that a monogamous lifestyle largely prevents STIs.…”

“…The pressure to be monogamous is intense. Those who adopt consensually non-monogamous lifestyles (CNM; relationships in which all partners agree that having sexual and/or romantic relationships outside of a committed relationship is permissible) are perceived in an exceedingly negative light (e.g., as irresponsible and having low-quality relationships) (Conley et al, 2012a;Moors et al, 2013;Matsick et al, 2014). Stigma against non-monogamy may promote dangerous sexual practices in several ways, considered below.…”