Discussions about non-monogamy have surged online in recent years, thanks to hookup apps like Feeld that make exploring the lifestyle easier. But as interest grows, so does the backlash. Some seek alternatives to traditional relationships, while others embrace monogamy and marriage. Even Feeld, in research with the Kinsey Institute, found that young adults still fantasize about monogamy. However, new research published in The Journal of Sex Research challenges the assumption that monogamous relationships are superior. An analysis of 35 studies involving over 24,000 people worldwide found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction between monogamous and non-monogamous people.
The study, led by Joel Anderson, an associate professor at La Trobe University’s Australian Research Centre in Sexuality, Health, and Society, highlights how stereotypes shape perceptions of relationship styles. Anderson said in a press release – “This widespread belief—what we term as the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’—is often reinforced by stereotypes and media narratives.” Anderson added, “Our findings challenge this long-standing assumption outside of academia, providing further evidence that people in consensually non-monogamous relationships experience similar levels of satisfaction in their relationships and sex lives as those in monogamous ones.” However, the study’s findings come with limitations. The data is self-reported, which can lead to biased responses. Additionally, reliance on online sampling may reduce representativeness. Despite this, alternative relationship styles continue to thrive, and discussions about them are here to stay.
