A dyadic examination of self-determined sexual motives, need fulfillment, and relational outcomes among consensually non-monogamous partners.

Jessica Wood,Serge Desmarais,John Sakaluk,Amy Muise,Christopher Quinn-Nilas,Robin Milhausen,Ethan Morgan

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0247001

Abstract

Intimate and sexual relationships provide opportunity for emotional and sexual fulfillment. In consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, needs are dispersed among multiple partners. Using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and dyadic data from 56 CNM partnerships (112 individuals), we tested how sexual motives and need fulfillment were linked to relational outcomes. We drew from models of need fulfillment to explore how sexual motives with a second partner were associated with satisfaction in the primary relationship. In a cross-sectional and daily experience study we demonstrated that self-determined reasons for sex were positively associated with sexual satisfaction and indirectly linked through sexual need fulfillment. Self-determined reasons for sex predicted need fulfillment for both partners at a three-month follow up. The association between sexual motives and need fulfillment was stronger on days when participants engaged in sex with an additional partner, though this was not related to satisfaction in the primary relationship. Implications for need fulfillment are discussed.

Highlights

Intimate and sexual relationships are central to psychological well-being and provide an opportunity for emotional intimacy, sexual fulfillment, and personal growth [1]
In Part 2, we examined similar Self-Determination Theory (SDT) models using dyadic diary data collected over the course of 21 days and tested whether sexual motives during this period were associated with relational outcomes at a three-month follow-up
Our findings suggest that the central tenets of SDT work in a similar fashion among live-in/ primary consensually non-monogamous (CNM) partners as they do with people who are in monogamous relationships, and gay male couples

Summary

Introduction

Intimate and sexual relationships are central to psychological well-being and provide an opportunity for emotional intimacy, sexual fulfillment, and personal growth [1]. Maintaining satisfying sexual and romantic connections with long-term partners is challenging, with many couples reporting declines in relationship and sexual satisfaction over time [2]. High expectations of what modern romantic relationships entail (e.g., the expectation to receive love, comfort, emotional and financial support, sexual excitement, etc.) may place.

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