TY - JOUR
T1 - A Critical Examination of Popular Assumptions About the Benefits and Outcomes of Monogamous Relationships
AU - Conley, Terri D.
AU - Ziegler, Ali
AU - Moors, Amy C.
AU - Matsick, Jes L.
AU - Valentine, Brandon
PY - 2013/5
Y1 - 2013/5
N2 - In this article, we critically examine the social institution of monogamy. First, we discuss the lack of an adequate and consistent definition of the construct of monogamy and consider how common monogamy is. Next, we address perceived benefits of monogamy and whether those ostensible benefits are supported by empirical evidence. We conclude that evidence for the benefits of monogamy relative to other relationship styles is currently lacking, suggesting that, for those who choose it, consensual non-monogamy may be a viable alternative to monogamy. Implications for theories of close relationships are discussed.
AB - In this article, we critically examine the social institution of monogamy. First, we discuss the lack of an adequate and consistent definition of the construct of monogamy and consider how common monogamy is. Next, we address perceived benefits of monogamy and whether those ostensible benefits are supported by empirical evidence. We conclude that evidence for the benefits of monogamy relative to other relationship styles is currently lacking, suggesting that, for those who choose it, consensual non-monogamy may be a viable alternative to monogamy. Implications for theories of close relationships are discussed.
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U2 - 10.1177/1088868312467087
DO - 10.1177/1088868312467087
M3 - Article
C2 - 23175520
AN - SCOPUS:84875408917
SN - 1088-8683
VL - 17
SP - 124
EP - 141
JO - Personality and Social Psychology Review
JF - Personality and Social Psychology Review
IS - 2
ER -