Personality Predictors of Prejudicial Attitudes, Willingness to Engage, and Actual Engagement in Consensual Non-Monogamy.

Abstract

Personality variables, including sensation-seeking, interpersonal trust, avoidance of uncertainty, endorsement of social conformity, and love styles (Ludus, Eros, Pragma, Storge, Mania, and Agape), were examined as predictors of prejudicial attitudes toward individuals who practice polyamory and personal interest in engaging in consensual non-monogamy (CNM) among 1831 participants who completed anonymous surveys online. Personality characteristics were also compared between individuals who currently practice CNM (n = 67) and case-matched controls involved in monogamous relationships. As predicted, prejudicial attitudes and willingness to engage in CNM were positively and moderately correlated and there was substantial overlap in the predictors of both variables. However, the strongest predictors differed: prejudicial attitudes were best predicted, in a positive direction, by endorsement of social conformity and, to a lesser extent, Pragma love style, while willingness to engage in CNM was best predicted by the Ludus (positive) and Eros (negative) love styles. Individuals who practice monogamy and CNM were more similar than different: only two of the 12 variables tested significantly differed. CNM individuals are more ludic and more tolerant of cognitive uncertainty. Difficulty interpreting some of the results laid bare the need for relationship measures that are valid for individuals who practice CNM. Improving our understanding of the relation between personality traits and CNM may help us develop better interventions for clients who seek to transition from monogamy to CNM but struggle to adapt to the new challenges as well as design better efforts to increase acceptance and reduce discrimination against those who practice CNM.