Experimentation is the key when it comes to relationships. While couples do try new things in their love lives, open relationships have always been in question if they really work or not.
Open relationships are those in which partners have agreed on sexual activity with someone other than their primary romantic partner while maintaining the couple bond.
“We know that communication is helpful to all couples. However, it is critical for couples in non-monogamous relationships as they navigate the extra challenges of maintaining a non-traditional relationship in a monogamy-dominated culture,” says Ronald Rogge, an associate professor of psychology and head of the Rogge Lab.
“Secrecy surrounding sexual activity with others can too easily become toxic and lead to feelings of neglect, insecurity, rejection, jealousy, and betrayal, even in non-monogamous relationships,” adds Rogge.
Researchers in the study considered distinctions and nuances within various types of non-monogamous relationships, and then assessed the success of each type independently.
The findings, published in the journal of Sex Research, have highlighted some conditions under which non-monogamous relationships tend to succeed, and those under which relationships become strained. Researchers analysed responses from 1,658 online questionnaires.
The findings showed that monogamous and consensual non-monogamous groups demonstrated high levels of functioning in their relationships and as individuals, whereas the partially open and one-sided nonmonogamous groups exhibited lower functioning. (IANS)
