Non-Monogamous Individuals compared to Monogamous Individuals: The Differences in Their Relationships, Specifically Sexual Risk Behaviors and Level of Trust

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual-risk behaviors and relationship style (i.e., non-monogamous versus monogamous individuals). Data were collected from an adult sample (ages 18 to 76) of 108 monogamous and 128 non-monogamous individuals via an internet survey. Individuals self-identifying as consensually non-monogamous were hypothesized to report engaging in more safer-sex practices/ fewer sexual-risk behavior) than individuals self-identifying as monogamous. The relationship between trust and condom use was also examined. Consistent with the hypothesis, as compared to monogamous individuals, non-monogamous individuals reported more frequent STI screenings and more frequent condom use when having sex with their non-primary partners. However, there were no differences between the two groups' condom use frequency with primary sexual partners. Among the monogamous group only, there was a significant positive relationship between partner distrust as measured by the perceived likelihood of a partner cheating and the frequency of STI screenings.