The Role of Autonomy in Multi-Partnered Relationships.

Polyamory is a form of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) that openly endorses multiple romantic and sexual relationships. Previous research has reported high satisfaction and need fulfillment in polyamorous relationships. However, the feasibility of polyamory for a wider population given the societal mo...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Archives of Sexual Behavior Vol. 54; no. 7; pp. 2429 - 2445
Autor principal: Bröning, Sonja
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Springer Nature Jul2025
Materias:
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ssf&AN=188149500&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ssf
    uiTerm: 188149500
    longDbName: Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson)
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        00040002
        ASX
      jtl: Archives of Sexual Behavior
      issn: 00040002
      maglogo: N
    pubinfo:
      dt: Jul2025
      vid: 54
      iid: 7
      pid: 237
      pub: Springer Nature
    artinfo:
      ui:
        188149500
        10.1007/s10508-025-03202-6
      ppf: 2429
      ppct: 16
      formats:
        fmt:
          – @attributes:
              type: T
          – @attributes:
              type: P
              size: 777KB
      tig:
        atl: The Role of Autonomy in Multi-Partnered Relationships.
      aug:
        au: Bröning, Sonja
        affil: https://ror.org/00fkqwx76 Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457, Hamburg, Germany
      su:
        Non-monogamous relationships
        Human sexuality
        Autonomy (Psychology)
        Interpersonal relations
        Satisfaction
        Emotions
      sug:
        subj:
          Non-monogamous relationships
          Human sexuality
          Autonomy (Psychology)
          Interpersonal relations
          Satisfaction
          Emotions
      keyword:
        Autonomy
        Consensual non-monogamy
        Medical and Health Sciences Public Health and Health Services Psychology and Cognitive Sciences Psychology
        Polyamory
        Qualitative interviews
        Reflexive thematic analysis
        Autonomy
        Consensual non-monogamy
        Medical and Health Sciences Public Health and Health Services Psychology and Cognitive Sciences Psychology
        Polyamory
        Qualitative interviews
        Reflexive thematic analysis
      ab: Polyamory is a form of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) that openly endorses multiple romantic and sexual relationships. Previous research has reported high satisfaction and need fulfillment in polyamorous relationships. However, the feasibility of polyamory for a wider population given the societal monogamy norm is highly debated. Desire for relational autonomy, such as the freedom to love multiple partners and be sexually intimate with them, is a widespread motive for engaging in CNM. In this qualitative study, we explored if and how this kind of autonomy was experienced by polyamorous individuals in daily life. Autonomy in relationships was conceptualized through the differential lenses of self-determination theory, attachment theory, and differentiation theory. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with German-speaking polyamorists. The material was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to answer the following research questions: (1) In what ways is personal autonomy created and expressed in polyamorous relationships? (2) Are autonomy-related needs fulfilled in polyamorous relationships? (3) How important is personal autonomy for polyamorous individuals? Overall, participants reported a high need for and level of "doing autonomy" in their polyamorous relationships. Four central aspects of this autonomy emerged: assertive communication, independent emotion regulation, self-congruent lifestyle, and valuing freedom. Different nuances of these four aspects are discussed with regard to the study's research questions and to their implications for mental health professionals working with polyamorous clients.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
    refInfo:
    copyright:
      @attributes:
        flag: N
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N