ATTACHMENT THEORY AND CONSENSUAL NON-MONOGAMOUS RELATIONSHIPS

Monogamy is the dominant relationship ideology in western culture. A committed relationship is perceived as a monogamous relationship. Therefore, there is limited empirical research as far as consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is concerned, since CNM challenges the mainstream views of monogamy. Hence, recent psychological research has proposed that CNM relationships are increasing in popularity in Western society. Previous research has examined the effect of attachment theory on the development of different styles of CNM relationships. Attachment theorists found out that the desire for proximity (emotional closeness to someone else), the desire to feel young again, and the desire to be sexually satisfied are some motivational elements that contributed to the engagement in CNM relationships. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and attitude toward entering a CNM relationship, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. The study included a total of 945 participants. Result showed no significant differences between the three attachment styles (secure, avoidant, and anxious) in their willingness to engage in a CNM relationship, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. However, there were mean values differences suggesting a slight difference. Those who are securely attached had a higher willingness to engage in CNM relationships, a higher relationship satisfaction, and higher sexual satisfaction when compared to individuals who are avoidantly and anxiously attached