New study could explain why people choose to have multiple relationships at the same time
TORONTO, April 17, 2019 – Being interested in a polyamorous lifestyle, or pursuing multiple relationships, may go beyond simple titillation, a new study says.
The study, led by researchers at York University’s Faculty of Health, found there may be unique benefits to diversifying needs across partners when in a polyamorous relationship: experiencing more eroticism and nurturance with one partner was associated with satisfaction and closeness in a concurrent relationship. In addition, this study shows individuals who experience higher levels of eroticism and nurturance also report greater sexual satisfaction and closeness with their partners.
In the study, co-author Amy Muise, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at York University, and lead author post-doctoral fellow Rhonda Balzarini, looked at levels of eroticism and nurturance in both polyamorous and monogamous relationships. The goal was to test whether individuals in polyamorous relationships are able to maintain higher levels of eroticism and nurturance than individuals in monogamous relationships through having multiple relationships. This study is the first to examine eroticism and nurturance in polyamorous versus monogamous relationships.
“There is a growing interest in consensual non-monogamous relationships – both in the general public and in terms of research,” says Muise. “The study findings suggest that people may get different needs met in different relationships and that the consensual non-monogamous relationship may be one way people are diversifying their needs.”
The study found that participants in polyamorous relationships experienced less eroticism but more nurturance in their relationships with their primary partner compared to their secondary partner.
“We know from previous research that over time, eroticism tends to wane while nurturance increases. We also know that eroticism and nurturance serve fundamental roles in relationships,” says Balzarini. “The findings suggest that although multiple relationships may help individuals meet eroticism and nurturance needs, experiences with one partner do not always enhance a concurrent relationship.”
The study is published in Social Psychology.
York University champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.
York U’s fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario’s Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
Media Contact:
Anjum Nayyar, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 44543, anayyar@yorku.ca
