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Lining Up An Open Relationship? The Key Is Communication And Consent

Having multiple partners is tricky, but science says it can work - by Alex Pierotti
  • 31 Oct 2019
Lining Up An Open Relationship? The Key Is Communication And Consent
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When it comes to relationships, a lot has changed in the last decade and one big shift has been the rise of nonmonogamy. Whether you're a swinger or you just want to date multiple people, the idea of getting romantically or physically involved with more than one person sounds a little tricky - chances are someone will get hurt. But there is a way to make it work. 

New research out of the University of Rochester has found that while there's no one-size-fits-all solution, there are ways to increase the chance the success of the relationship and they've nicknamed it the "Triple-C-Model" - consent, communication and comfort. 

"We know that communication is helpful to all couples. However, it is critical for couples in non-monogamous relationships as they navigate the extra challenges of maintaining a nontraditional relationship in a monogamy-dominated culture,” study author Ronald Rogge said in a statement.

“Secrecy surrounding sexual activity with others can all too easily become toxic and lead to feelings of neglect, insecurity, rejection, jealousy, and betrayal, even in non-monogamous relationships."

RELATED: The Truth About Polyamorous Relationships

As part of their research, scientists surveyed more than 1600 respondents, most of whom were in the 20s and 30s, white and female, and also in a long-term relationship with an average length of 4.5 years. 

Participants were divided into five groups: 

  • Monogamous groups either in the early or late stages of their relationship.
  • Those in partially open relationships.
  • Couples that were equally interested in consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) - swingers or polyamorous.
  • And one-sided relationships where one partner wanted monogamy while the other engaged in agreed-upon sex outside of the relationship.

“The monogamous and CNM groups demonstrated high levels of relationship and individual functioning, whereas the partially-open and one-sided non-monogamous groups demonstrated lower functioning,” the authors wrote in The Journal of Sex Research.

RELATED: What Is An Open Relationship And Does It Work?

Both Monogamous groups and CNM groups had healthy relationships and low levels of loneliness and psychological distress. 

In relationships where monogamy was one-sided, partners tended to be less dedicated, affectionate and were unhappy with their partner. These participants also showed signs of discomfort, emotional attachment and loneliness. 

"Sexual activity with someone else besides the primary partner, without mutual consent, comfort, or communication can easily be understood as a form of betrayal or cheating," adds study author Forrest Hangen.

"And that, understandably, can seriously undermine or jeopardise the relationship."

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Alex Pierotti
Alex Pierotti
Alex Pierotti is the Digital Content Editor for Men's Health Australia, with experience reporting on health, fitness and sport. With a Journalism degree from UNSW under his belt, he got his start working in TV, working on the live broadcast of the Intrust Super Shute Shield on 7TWO before making the switch to print and digital at Pacific Magazines.

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