Resources

Research worth citing.

Selected academic sources for the empirical and clinical research on consensual non-monogamy. Use these when you need a citation you can stand behind.

Prevalence and demographics

  • Haupert, M. L., Gesselman, A. N., Moors, A. C., Fisher, H. E., & Garcia, J. R. (2017). Prevalence of experiences with consensual nonmonogamous relationships: Findings from two national samples of single Americans. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy.
  • Levine, E. C., Herbenick, D., Martinez, O., Fu, T.-C., & Dodge, B. (2018). Open relationships, nonconsensual nonmonogamy, and monogamy among U.S. adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Relationship quality and satisfaction

  • Conley, T. D., Matsick, J. L., Moors, A. C., & Ziegler, A. (2017). Investigation of consensually nonmonogamous relationships: Theories, methods, and new directions. Perspectives on Psychological Science.
  • Rubel, A. N., & Bogaert, A. F. (2015). Consensual nonmonogamy: Psychological well-being and relationship quality correlates. The Journal of Sex Research.
  • Moors, A. C., Ryan, W., & Chopik, W. J. (2019). Multiple loves: The effects of attachment with multiple concurrent romantic partners on relational functioning. Personality and Individual Differences.

Jealousy, compersion, and emotion

  • Aumer, K., Bellew, W., Ito, B., Hatfield, E., & Heck, R. (2014). The happy green eyed monogamist: Role of jealousy and compersion in monogamous and non-traditional relationships. Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality.
  • Mogilski, J. K., Memering, S. L., Welling, L. L. M., & Shackelford, T. K. (2017). Monogamy versus consensual non-monogamy: Alternative approaches to pursuing a strategically pluralistic mating strategy. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Families and children

  • Sheff, E. (2014). The Polyamorists Next Door: Inside Multiple-Partner Relationships and Families. Rowman & Littlefield.
  • Sheff, E. (2010). Strategies in polyamorous parenting. In M. Barker & D. Langdridge (eds.), Understanding non-monogamies.
  • Goldfeder, M., & Sheff, E. (2013). Children of polyamorous families: A first empirical look. Journal of Law and Social Deviance.

Stigma and minority stress

  • Conley, T. D., Moors, A. C., Matsick, J. L., & Ziegler, A. (2013). The fewer the merrier? Assessing stigma surrounding consensually non-monogamous romantic relationships. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy.
  • Moors, A. C., Matsick, J. L., Ziegler, A., Rubin, J. D., & Conley, T. D. (2013). Stigma toward individuals engaged in consensual nonmonogamy: Robust and worthy of additional research. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy.

Clinical and therapy

  • Fern, J. (2020). Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Nonmonogamy. Thorntree Press.
  • Fern, J., & Cooley, D. (2023). Polywise: A Deeper Dive Into Navigating Open Relationships. Thorntree Press.
  • Schechinger, H. A., Sakaluk, J. K., & Moors, A. C. (2018). Harmful and helpful therapy practices with consensually non-monogamous clients. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.