Advancing consensual non‐monogamy in psychological research, practice, and policy: A guide for psychologists

In: Social issues and policy review: SIPR, Volume 19, Issue 1

Abstract

AbstractIn this article, we present a brief overview of the topic of consensual non‐monogamy (CNM) as a scientific inquiry, including reviews related to stigma, relationship functioning, and health and well‐being. Next, we discuss how psychologists can be more responsive to people who engage in CNM, by (1) conducting research that is inclusive of CNM, including challenging mononormativity in theory and measurement; (2) training clinicians to be more knowledgeable about CNM, including expanding diversity requirements and evidence‐based clinical practice; (3) working in advocacy to help shape law and policy, including future directions for research to inform marital/family and antidiscrimination law. Our goal is to discuss challenges while providing actionable recommendations for how psychologists can move forward in their respective domains to be inclusive of people engaged in CNM.