Safer-sex discussions in polyamorous relationships: Qualitatively investigating sexual scripts, relational and health implications.

Sexual communication is integral for many interpersonal relationships' success, with both relational and individual health affected by the quality of sexual communication between partners. In polyamorous relationships, partners make agreements regarding their engagement in concurrent romantic and/or...

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Publicado en:Journal of Social & Personal Relationships Vol. 43; no. 9; pp. 2553 - 2579
Autores principales: Chatterjee, Karishma, Cummins, Molly Wiant, Brannon, Grace Ellen
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Sage Publications, Ltd. Sep2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      pub: Sage Publications, Ltd.
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        atl: Safer-sex discussions in polyamorous relationships: Qualitatively investigating sexual scripts, relational and health implications.
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          Chatterjee, Karishma
          Cummins, Molly Wiant
          Brannon, Grace Ellen
        affil: The University of Texas at Arlington, USA
      sug:
        subj:
          Discussion
          Safe Sex
          Non-Monogamous Relationship
          Sexual Health
          Psychological Theory
          Human
          Female
          Male
          Adult
          Middle Age
          Qualitative Studies
          Interviews
          Conceptual Framework
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Audiorecording
          Snowball Sample
          Sexual Partners
          Condoms
          Sexually Transmitted Diseases
          Risk Assessment
          Health Knowledge
          Trust
          Intimacy
          Thematic Analysis
          Data Analysis Software
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Female
          Male
      ab: Sexual communication is integral for many interpersonal relationships' success, with both relational and individual health affected by the quality of sexual communication between partners. In polyamorous relationships, partners make agreements regarding their engagement in concurrent romantic and/or sexual relationships. The objective of this project was to examine how safer-sex practices are discussed within polyamorous relationships through the lens of sexual scripts theory. Participants (n = 26) were individuals self-identifying as polyamorous who reported their discussions of safer-sex practices, as well as their relational and health implications resulting from such conversations. The prevailing cultural script of having discussions about safer-sex practices, which participants learned from other poly community members and partners, was key to successfully establishing multiple intimate relationships. Interpsychic scripts were illustrated in participants' desire to have recurrent open and honest discussions, including when a potential new partner was coming into the picture. Interpersonal scripts were seen in the topics of these discussions participants reported having, which included using condoms, sharing sexually transmitted infection (STI) results, understanding risk tolerance, and knowledge of other partners and their sexual practices. Having these discussions successfully not only allowed participants to pursue new sexual relationships but also helped build relational trust and intimacy. Refusal by potential partners to discuss safer-sex practices was perceived as a red flag and resulted in either cooling off relational interest or avoiding sexual activity. This study's findings suggest health and relational implications for individuals in polyamorous relationships. Healthcare practitioners and relationship counselors should offer STI testing to all individuals regardless of marital status, allowing for destigmatization of STI testing.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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