Talk
When Desire, Distress, and Satisfaction Collide: A Person-Centered Analysis of Consensual Non-Monogamy
David L. Rodrigues (Rodrigues, D. L.);
Event Title
52nd IASR Annual Meeting
Year (definitive publication)
2026
Language
English
Country
Poland
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Abstract
Background: Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) encompasses diverse relational configurations that challenge mononormative assumptions about relationship functioning. Using a person-centered approach, we examined co-occurring patterns of relational, sexual, and sexual health outcomes to identify distinct CNM profiles that differ in relationship functioning. Methods: Participants were 439 individuals in CNM relationships from over 30 countries. Using a Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), we identified profiles based on relationship satisfaction, perceived partner sexual responsiveness, sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, extradyadic sexual desire, and condom use frequency with Partner 1. We then examined whether profiles differed in relationship configuration, agreement enactment, relationship length with Partner 1, as well as relationship length, sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and condom use frequency with Partner 2. Results: We identified three profiles. Profile 1 was characterized by moderate relationship and sexual satisfaction, lower perceived partner sexual responsiveness, the lowest extradyadic sexual desire, high sexual distress, and the highest condom use frequency (i.e., moderate satisfaction with high distress and low extradyadic desire). Profile 2 was characterized by the lowest relationship satisfaction, perceived partner sexual responsiveness, and sexual satisfaction, alongside the highest extradyadic sexual desire and sexual distress, and moderate condom use frequency (i.e., low satisfaction with high distress and high extradyadic desire). Profile 3 was characterized by the highest relationship satisfaction, perceived partner sexual responsiveness, sexual satisfaction, and extradyadic sexual desire, the lowest sexual distress, and moderate condom use frequency (i.e., high satisfaction with low distress and high extradyadic desire). Participants in Profiles 2 and 3 (vs. Profile 1) were more likely to report a polyamorous configuration, longer relationship duration, mutual consent and enactment of non-monogamy, and having another partner. Profiles also differed in sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and condom use with Partner 2, with Profile 1 reporting poorer experiences and more frequent condom use. Conclusions: Findings indicate substantial heterogeneity in relational and sexual functioning within CNM relationships. Similar relationship structures and agreement labels can reflect distinct constellations of experiences, underscoring the value of person-centered approaches for advancing theory and research on CNM.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
  • Psychology - Social Sciences
Funding Records
Funding Reference Funding Entity
UID/03125/2025 CIS-Iscte through FCT

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